Algal Growth Potential of Microcystis aeruginosa from Reclaimed Water

Abstract

Algal growth potential (AGP) of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa, NIES-298) using reclaimed water from various wastewater reclamation pilot plants was investigated to evaluate the feasibility of the reclaimed water usage for recreational purposes. After completing the coagulation and ultrafiltration processes, the concentrations of most contaminants in the reclaimed water were lower than the reuse guidelines for recreational water. However, M. aeruginosa successfully adapted to low levels of soluble reactive phosphorus (PO(3-)(4)) concentrations. The AGP values of M. aeruginosa decreased with the progression of treatment processes, and with the increases in the dilution volume. Also, both the AGP and chlorophyll-a values can be estimated a priori without conducting the AGP tests. Therefore, aquatic ecosystems in locations prone to environmental conditions favorable for the growth of M. aeruginosa require more rigorous nutrient management plans (e.g., reverse osmosis and dilution with clean water resources) to reduce the nutrient availability.

Water Reclamation and Reuse

“…The use of reclaimed water for recreational purposes was evaluated by determining the algal growth potential (AGP) of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa in water from different wastewater reclamation pilot plants (Joo et al, 2016). Water discharged into aquatic ecosystems that are prone to provide favorable growth conditions for M. aeruginosa required more rigorous treatment strategies to reduce available nutrients.…”