Skip to main content
SLU publication database (SLUpub)

Research article2017Peer reviewed

Effects of biopellets composed of microalgae and fungi on cadmium present at environmentally relevant levels in water

Bodin, Hristina; Asp, Hakan; Hultberg, Malin

Abstract

Removal of cadmium (Cd) present at low levels (1 mu g L-1) in water was investigated using three different microorganism treatments: the microalga Chlorella vulgaris, the fungus Aspergillus niger, and for the first time biopellets composed of C. vulgaris and A. niger. After 5days, all microorganism treatments resulted in significantly lower Cd concentrations compared with the control. Biopellets treatment resulted in significantly lower pH values than other microorganism treatments, indicating that the biopellets should be investigated further for their water treatment capacity, since pH is a factor affecting the fate of numerous pollutants in water. Use of biopellets as a method to simplify harvesting of microalgae from water is also suggested.

Keywords

cadmium; biopellets; microalgae; fungi; water treatment

Published in

International Journal of Phytoremediation
2017, Volume: 19, number: 5, pages: 500-504

      SLU Authors

      • Sustainable Development Goals

        Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
        Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

        UKÄ Subject classification

        Environmental Sciences
        Microbiology

        Publication identifier

        DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15226514.2016.1244170

        Permanent link to this page (URI)

        https://res.slu.se/id/publ/82631