Feasibility of wastewater treatment using the activated-algae process

Abstract

The feasibility of using an activated-algae reactor to treat both domestic sewage and industrial wastewaters from a pig farm and a palm oil mill was investigated. A mixed culture of algae and various other microorganisms was used. The algal culture of common local species consisted predominantly of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The algae grew well under various environmental conditions of pH temperature and light and darkness. With a detention period of 15 days the activated-algae reactor was able to remove 80-88% of BOD, 70-82% of COD, 60-70% of nitrogen and 50-60% of phosphorus. Removal rates of organics and nutrients correlated significantly with loading rates. The activated-algae process was therefore found feasible for treating both domestic sewage and industrial wastewaters.