This study examined using two microalgae species (Chlorella minutissima and Chlorella sorokiniana) to remediate nutrients from municipal wastewater and produce biodiesel. Chlorella sorokiniana showed higher growth rates and lipid content when grown in wastewater compared to standard growth media. Analysis of the biodiesel produced found fatty acid methyl ester compositions suitable for vehicle fuel and physical properties within standards. Therefore, Chlorella sorokiniana has potential for combined wastewater treatment and sustainable biodiesel production.

1. .
An integrated approach for
phycoremediation of municipal
wastewater and production of
sustainable transportation fuel
using oleaginous Chlorella sp.

2. Published in,
2021
Journal of
water
Process
Engineering
IF= 5.485

3. .
• Several wastewater treatment methods are available.
• But, they are not feasible for certain nutrients removal.
• Considering these issues, microalgae is best alternate approach.
• Photosynthetic , and accumulative capabilities of microalgae are
making it especially attractive.
• This method have advantages over conventional processes,
like – low energy input
– cost effectiveness
– & minimum sludge formation
Introduction

4. Problem Statement
• Previous wastewater
treatment methods are not
feasible.
• Studies on application of algae-based biodiesel (grown
in municipal wastewater), discussion related to its
physical properties & its suitability as a transportation
fuel are limited.

5. Objectives
• Chlorella
minutissima &
Chlorella
sorokiniana
strains were
selected
• Examine
physoremdiation
of MWW &
vehicler quality
biodiseal
• Carbohydrates,
lipid, protein &
biomass
productivity were
estimated and
compared
• FTIR and GC-
MS were used
for assesment of
functional group
and FAMEs
respectively

6. Research Methodology
Step 01
Step 02
Step 03
• Chlorella minutissima & sorokiniana inocculated in BBM
• Water Characteristics like nitrogen elements, TP, COD, TOC
were measured
• Cultivation and assessment of total lipids, protein and
carbohydrates content from algae, grown in wastewater
• Estimation of removal efficiency of nutrients

7. Research Methodology
Step 04
Step 05
Step 06
• FAMEs characterization from the lipids
•Statistical Analysis
• Evaluation of physical properties of biodiesel

8. Result and discussion
Chlorella minutissima
recorded higher growth rate
(μ) 0.196 /day on 12th day,
when cultured in wastewater
than in BBM (0.151/ day)
Similarly, the higher specific
growth rate of Chlorella
sorokiniana was evident
0.269/day on 12th day, when
grown in wastewater than in
BBM (0.171/day ).

10. Evaluation of lipids using FTIR
The FTIR
spectrum of
lipids indicated
the most
prominent peak
at 2925 /cm.
The peaks at
1709/cm and
1745/cm were
demonstrating
the occurrence
of (-C=O) group.

11. GC-MS profiling of FAMEs
The FAMEs conversion
efficiency (w/w of lipids) was
recorded 89.23 ± 0.21% and
82.47 ± 0.11% for Chlorella
sorokiniana and Chlorella
minutissima respectively.
The FAMEs profile of both
the species grown in
wastewater showed the
occurrence of C16–C20
chains of fatty acids.

12. Estimation of physical properties of biodiesel

13. Conclusions
• Between the two species,
Chlorella sorokiniana
showed higher biomass
productivity and lipid
content than Chlorella
minutissima.
• The data for physical parameters
revealed better properties & were
also within permissible range of
the vehicular fuel standards.
• Hence, Chlorella sorokiniana can be
considered as a suitable candidate for
phycoremediation of wastewater
coupled with the production of
vehicular quality biodiesel in future.