Multifaceted applications of isolated microalgae Chlamydomonas sp. TRC-1 in wastewater remediation, lipid production and bioelectricity generation

Bioresour Technol. 2020 May:304:122993. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.122993. Epub 2020 Feb 11.

Abstract

Green microalga, Chlamydomonas sp. TRC-1 (C. TRC-1), isolated from the outlet of effluent treatment plant of textile dyeing mill, was investigated for its competence towards bioremediation. Algal biomass obtained after remediation (ABAR) was implied for bioelectricity and biofuel production. C. TRC-1 could completely decolorize the effluent in 7 days. Significant reduction in pollution-indicating parameters was observed. Chronoamperometric studies were carried out using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Maximum current density, power and power density of 3.6 A m-2, 4.13 × 10-4 W and 1.83 W m-2, respectively were generated in ABAR. EIS studies showed a decrease in resistance of ABAR, supporting better electron transfer as compared to algal biomass before remediation (ABBR). Its candidature for biofuel production was assessed by estimating the total lipid content. Results revealed enhancement in lipid content from 46.85% (ABBR) to 79.1% (ABAR). Current study advocates versatile potential of isolated C. TRC-1 for bioremediation of wastewater, bioelectricity production and biofuel generation.

Keywords: Biofuels; Bioremediation; Electrogenic; Microalga; Textile effluent.

MeSH terms

  • Biofuels
  • Biomass
  • Chlamydomonas*
  • Lipids
  • Microalgae*
  • Wastewater

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Lipids
  • Waste Water