Journal of Water and Wastewater Science and Engineering

Journal of Water and Wastewater Science and Engineering

Investigation of Optimal Growth Conditions of Scenedesmus Obliquus Microalgae and its Potential to Remove Polypropylene Microplastics from an Aqueous

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic Azad University West Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic Azad University West Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
4 Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
In the present study, the biological removal of polypropylene by the scenedesmus obliquus was investigated. The growth conditions of scenedesmus microalga were optimized in the first stage, and polypropylene microplastics in three different sizes were exposed to this species. The maximum percentage of polypropylene removal occurred at a size of 45 micrometers, with 29.27% of the polypropylene removed from the aqueous environment. The increase in the size of microplastics, due to optical obstruction and toxic effects, negatively impacts algae growth and reduces the efficiency of microplastic removal. The results indicate that the maximum growth rate of scenedesmus was achieved at a temperature of 29 degrees Celsius, a light intensity of 3500 lux, and a shaking speed of 160 rpm. After optimization, a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, a light intensity of approximately 3500 lux, and a stirring speed of 167 rpm were selected as the optimal cultivation conditions for scenedesmus. Subsequently, the growth of the microalga under optimal conditions in the presence of polypropylene in three different sizes was conducted.
Keywords

 
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Volume 10, Issue 3
Autumn 2025
Pages 57-67

  • Receive Date 14 December 2024
  • Revise Date 20 February 2025
  • Accept Date 03 March 2025