(374bg) Removal of Ammonia From Wastewater Effluent by Chlorella Vulgaris

Abstract

Chlorella vulgaris was used
to remove residual ammonia present in the wastewater effluent using batch
experiments in a closed system.  The experimental results indicate that Chlorella
vulgaris has the capability to significantly reduce the ammonia
concentration after a short lag-phase period.  Total inorganic carbon was also
removed along with ammonia.  It was observed that nitrogen and phosphorus are
the important nutrients which influence the growth of Chlorella vulgaris as
carbon was present in a sufficient amount and illumination through light source
was also sufficiently provided.  The influence of nitrogen and phosphorus
concentration was studied on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris through
batch experiments.  A growth model was developed based on Monod
equation.  The growth model developed from batch experiments was used to develop
a performance equation for the design a continuous reactor for removal of
ammonia from wastewater effluent, for practical application in a wastewater
treatment plant at Mill Creek plant in Cincinnati.