Effects of monospecific and mixed-algae culture on performance of algae-sludge membrane bioreactors

Abstract

To increase wastewater treatment efficiency and biofuel production, seven microalgae were mixed with activated sludge in batch bioreactors. Based on batch results, two microalgae (Chlamydomonas and Selenastrum) and their mixture were inoculated into conventional-membrane-bioreactors (CMBRs) to evaluate effects of monospecific and mixed-algae culture on the performance of algae-sludge-MBRs. The best nutrient removal, highest chlorophyll-a, and lowest membrane fouling were achieved by the mixed-algae membrane bioreactor. In comparison to activated sludge, the algae-sludge mixture had fivefold higher lipid contents during batch experiments. Additionally, using confocal microscopy, autofluorescence and staining were combined to distinguish algae from bacteria on membrane surfaces, revealing a greater role for bacteria in membrane fouling. Furthermore, sequencing analysis showed that the microbial community (e.g. Nitrospira and Falavobacterium) changed by inoculating algae which benefits CMBRs. Consequently, the stimulation or inhibition of different species might be the reason that the mixed-algae-MBR achieves superior performance compared to CMBR and single-algae-MBRs.

Keywords: Algae-bacteria interactions; Biofuel production; Membrane fouling; Microbial community; Wastewater treatment.