Diagnosis of Nutrient Discharges and Management Alternatives in Developing Countries and the Use of Microalgae as a Potential Solution: A Case Study from Different Provinces in Antioquia, Colombia

Diagnosis of Nutrient Discharges and Management Alternatives in Developing Countries and the Use of Microalgae as a Potential Solution: A Case Study from Different Provinces in Antioquia, Colombia

This research aims to propose management strategies to mitigate eutrophication caused by inefficient wastewater treatment plants in Colombia. The information analyzed was provided by environmental authorities such as IDEAM, CORANTIOQUIA, and CORNARE in Antioquia, where the average concentrations of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water (Basel) Vol. 16; no. 16; p. 2215
Main Authors: Alejandro Pérez Mesa, Julio Cesar Saldarriaga Molina, Luis Alberto Ríos, Esteban Ocampo Echeverri, David Ocampo Echeverri
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 01-08-2024
Subjects:
biofertilizers
eutrophication
microalgae
nutrients
wastewater
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:This research aims to propose management strategies to mitigate eutrophication caused by inefficient wastewater treatment plants in Colombia. The information analyzed was provided by environmental authorities such as IDEAM, CORANTIOQUIA, and CORNARE in Antioquia, where the average concentrations of phosphorus in wastewater from municipal, livestock, and industrial activities are 5.1, 30.6, and 29.1 mg P/L. The total nitrogen concentrations are 77, 143, and 121 mg N/L, respectively, surpassing the limit concentrations stated by the European Union, the United States, and Mexico, among others, while Colombia has not established its own limits. Including limitations for nutrient concentrations will align Colombia with the 2050 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where microalgae species like Chlorella or Scenedesmus could be used in wastewater treatment systems for municipalities and industries. These microalgae can capture organic matter, nutrients, and greenhouse emissions and reduce the concentrations observed in natural water. They could also be an alternative for capturing heavy metals and some pollutants of emerging concern. In addition to the ecological and social benefits, the algal biomass could be valorized by transforming it into biological products such as fuels, fertilizers, and pigments when micropollutants are not present, reducing operational costs for treatment systems.
ISSN:2073-4441
DOI:10.3390/w16162215