Bioremediation is the use of macro-algae or micro-algae for the removal or biotransformation of pollutants, including nutrients and xenobiotics from wastewater and CO2 from waste air.
A group of aquatic, most primitive photosynthetic organisms ranging from unicellular to multicellular forms and generally possess chlorophyll but lack true roots, stems and leaves characteristic of terrestrial plants.
The green-cell factories of microalgae tackle simultaneously more than one problem, a solution not capable by conventional chemical processes. That is, for example, problems such as pH correction, sludge removal, TDS reduction, BOD and COD removal, etc. can be handled simultaneously by micro-algal treatment (Bioremediation), whereas in conventional methods, separate methods or stages of treatments are used.
Micro-algae are naturally occurring living organisms and therefore Bioremediation is a naturally occurring phenomenon. The micro-algae used in Bioremediation are already preset in nature and are at work consuming unwanted materials. We come into contact with them on a daily basis with no ill effects. After Bioremediation is completed, the environment is virtually restored to its pristine condition.
The unique feature about Bioremediation is that while it can be used in the treatment of wide variety of effluents, it can also be highly specific, for example, in the treatment of heavy metal-bearing effluents or dyeing effluents or treatment of R/O rejects.
Bioremediation is case specific as the process can be operated batch-wise, semi-continuous or in continuous manner.
This technology is flexible to handle bulk fluctuations in quality and quantity of effluent feed. Moreover, it has been proved by us to be effective in treating array of effluents such as those of dye, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, dairy, oil drilling and pigment industries.
There is no need to separate algae from the treated effluent as the process is an ecologically safe and natural process. Since micro algae are heavier than other microbes algal cells can be easily sedimented and harvested. In addition, micro-algae such as filamentous algae are available with high auto-flocculation capacity.
It is highly compatible with existing operations such as physical, chemical and other biological methods.
Bioremediation technology is robust as it minimizes automation, maintenance and the need for skilled operators.
Bioremediation assures nil sludge generation and as a result there is no disruption of surrounding, non-contaminated areas.
Nutrient addition for the growth enhancement of algae is required only to initiate the porocess. Once the culture is established there is no need to add these. Moreover, these chemicals are of negligible cost.
As micro-algae multiply fast, the cultures replenish themselves with fresh feed of effluents and hence there is only one time addition.
In fact, micro-algae are adept in removing the obnoxious odours present in the effluent and convert them to rich algal smell. In addition, they make the coloured effluent into colourless.
All these are unique features of micro-algae.
Yes it is, becauseit saves power and a lot of chemicals. The process generally is 7O–90% less costly than other technologies as there is virtually little investment in “capital equipment”. Furthermore, the only energy requirement for the process is solar energy, which is abundantly available in our country
The crucial factor for social acceptance, particularly by environmentalists, is the conclusive impact of micro-algae on the biodiversity and this factor is best accepted in Bioremediation when compared with other methods.