The influence of various carbon sources on the performance of activated algae grown in synthetic wastewater containing high concentrations of ammonium ion

A 32-days experimental study was carried out to assess the feasibility of treating wastewater containing high NH 4 + -N concentration in the presence of CO 2 , NaHCO 3 and glucose as supplementary carbon sources by activated algae. The study showed that among the two inorganic carbon sources, NaHCO 3 is a better carbon source. The study further revealed the use of both NaHCO 3 and glucose together as carbon sources for the growth of algae and bacteria respectively in activated algae. The diffusion of ammonia to the atmosphere was probably the dominant mechanism of NH 4 + -N removal