In the microalgae-based systems research line, we develop purification processes in which we study the assimilation of nutrients and degradation of emerging pollutants in effluents such as urban wastewater and digestate.
Our goal in this topic is to include the microalgal biorefinery concept: utilisation of algae for micropollutant degradation, energy production by algal anaerobic digestion, co-digestion with other nearby wastes, and utilisation of waste streams as fertilizers.
It has been demosnstrated the efficiency of the microalgal-based systems for urban wastewater treatment as well as emerging contaminants removal al pilot scale (1 m3 semi open photobioreactor).
Several contaminants removal mechanisms can occur at the same time related to microalgal cultures (photodegradation, biodegradation and sorption).
BioremUAB has studied pharmaceutical compounds (PhACs) and pesticides (polar and hydrophobic ones) transformation products at laboratory and pilot scale reactors. Transformation products from PhACs and pesticides have been identified, confirming the biodegradation as removal mechanism in microalgae cultures. So microalgal photobioreactors are an alternative to other biological systems for wastewater treatment. In addition, the valorisation of exhausted microalgal biomass by means of anaerobic digestion improves the economy of the process.
Contact: Paqui.blanquez@uab.cat
