Developing efficient nutrient removal and resource recovery strategy towards synergistic MLW treatment using macroalgae in a flat panel photobioreactor

Abstract The present study conceived a novel technology – ‘MARiNE photobioreactor (PBR): MacroAlgae Remediates Nutrients for Energy in PBR’. The technology targets the simultaneous treatment of desalination effluent and municipal liquid waste. The present study showcases the proof of concept wherein Ulva lactuca, a marine green macroalga, well-reported for its pollutant scavenging properties, has been explored for the synchronized treatment of two effluents, namely desalination effluent and municipal liquid waste and making it safe for marine discharge. A total nutrient removal of 94.1%, 80.4%, and 100% for COD, TN, and TP was achieved at an optimum HRT of 12 h with the highest biomass productivity of 340 g DW m−2 d-1. The study demonstrates MARiNE PBR to be a biologically cohesive strategy for rapid MLW remediation. A presumptive proposal for biorefinery of the generated biomass which enables recycling of the captured nutrients from the effluents is also proposed.