A novel algal biofilm photobioreactor for efficient hog manure wastewater utilization and treatment

Abstract

This study developed a high-efficiency algal biofilm photobioreactor for microalgae by designing a special array of curtain membrane components. This paper also discusses the growth and nutrient composition of Chlorella vulgaris, and hog manure wastewater utilization and purification. It was found that after about 5 days of culture, the biomass of C. vulgaris on the membrane could reach as high as 7.37 g/m² and the algae were easily harvested by mechanical scraping. The lipid content of C. vulgaris on the membrane structure was 10.17% while the lipid content of the algae in suspension was 14.29%. The light intensity showed a significant effect on the fatty acid composition. The C. vulgaris grew very well, and achieved deep purification of the hog manure wastewater; the COD, TP, TN, and NH₄⁺-N removal rates reached 95.67%, 64.40%, 69.55%, and 91.24%, respectively.

Keywords: Algal biofilm photobioreactor; CO(2) biofixation; Chlorella vulgaris; Hog manure wastewater; Treatment.