Microalgae such Chlorella vulgaris can effectively absorb nitrate and phosphate from contaminated water. This work characterized nitrate and phosphate removal from simulated agricultural runoff using C. vulgaris. Statistically designed experiments were used to model the following responses: (1) algal growth; (2) nitrate removal; (3) phosphate removal; (4) protein in the algal biomass; (5) chlorophyll content of the biomass; (6) the biomass phenolics content; and (7) the free radical scavenging antioxidant activity of the biomass. These response were modelled for the following key experimental factors: initial nitrate concentration in the simulated runoff (1080-3240 mg L-1, as NaNO3), initial phosphate concentration (20-60 mg L-1, as K2HPO4), photoperiod (8-24 h of light/day) and culture duration (5-15 days). The validated models were used to identify the factor levels to maximize the various responses. Nitrate removal was maximized at 85.6% when initial nitrate and phosphate concentrations were 2322 mg L-1 and 38 mg L-1 (N:P atom ratio ≈ 125:1), respectively, with a 17.2 h daily photoperiod in a 13-day culture. Phosphate removal was maximized at 95% when the initial nitrate and phosphate concentrations were 1402 mg L-1 and 56.7 mg L-1 (N:P ≈ 51:1), respectively, with a 15.7 h daily photoperiod in a 14.7-day culture. At least ~14 h of a daily photoperiod and a ~11-day culture period were required to maximize all the studied responses. C. vulgaris is edible and may be used as animal feed. Nutritional aspects of the biomass were characterized. Biomass with more than 24% protein could be produced. Under the best conditions, the chlorophyll (potential food colorants) content of the biomass was 8.5% and the maximum level of total phenolics (antioxidants) in the biomass was nearly 13 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1.
Keywords: Agricultural runoff; Algal phenolics; Algal protein; Antioxidants; Chlorella vulgaris; Chlorophylls; Nitrate and phosphate removal.
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