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Microalgae separation in MP-PVC contaminated wastewater using plant-based coagulant over different extraction methods in Bauru, Brazil

Journal of Environmental Management 2024 3 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 40 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Larissa Quartaroli, Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Larissa Quartaroli, Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Patrícia Bragança Sakamoto, Patrícia Bragança Sakamoto, Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Patrícia Bragança Sakamoto, Patrícia Bragança Sakamoto, Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Gustavo Henrique Ribeiro da Silva, Gustavo Henrique Ribeiro da Silva, Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi

Summary

Researchers tested Moringa oleifera plant extracts as natural coagulants for removing microalgae and PVC microplastics from photobioreactor wastewater, achieving over 83% turbidity removal and 63% microplastic removal under optimized conditions. Plant-based coagulants are a more sustainable and lower-cost alternative to synthetic chemical flocculants, and this study demonstrates they can handle the combined challenge of microalgae and microplastic removal simultaneously.

Polymers

PVC

Study Type Environmental

This study investigates the effectiveness of coagulation-flocculation and sedimentation (CFS) for separating microalgae, focusing on the use of various Moringa oleifera extracts as natural coagulants. We examined photobioreactor effluent (PBR) both with and without microplastic PVC (MP-PVC) contamination, referred to as PBR R2 and PBR R1, respectively. Utilising response surface methodology, we identified optimal conditions for the removal of microalgae and MP-PVC. Validation tests demonstrated that the aqueous extract of delipidated Moringa oleifera powder (AEDMOP) achieved high removal efficiencies, with coagulant dosages of 630 mg L for PBR R1 and 625 mg L for PBR R2. Both conditions showed microalgae removal efficiencies exceeding 83% for turbidity, colour, OD, OD, and OD, and 63% for OD. Interestingly, the optimised conditions for PBR R2 required slightly less coagulant, likely due to the additional particulate matter from MP-PVC. While extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) exhibited a marginal effect on flocculation, further investigation into their role in CFS is necessary. Our findings highlight the potential of AEDMOP for efficient microalgae separation, even in the presence of microplastics.

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