Simultaneous biomass production and mixed-origin wastewater treatment by five environmental isolates of Cyanobacteria

Abstract

Wastewater treatment by cyanobacteria is advantageous in many senses. In the present study, biological treatment of wastewater by five different environmental isolates of cyanobacteria was investigated individually under general tropical climatic conditions. Each cyanobacterial strain reduced the BOD, COD, nutrient levels and bacterial count of wastewater considerably. The marine isolate of Phormidium was found to be the most effective amongst the strains studied. Biochemical observations like those of chlorophyll a and protein content of wastewater treating strains were also made. Biomass production in wastewater was comparable to that of cultural media. Cyanobacterial biomass production side by side with wastewater biotreatment could have a better economic prospect. Keywords: bioremediation, wastewater, cyanobacteria, Phormidium, biomass, nutrient, sewage