Removal of Phenolic Compounds from Olive Mill Wastewater by Microalgae Grown Under Dark and Light Conditions

Abstract Phenolic compounds in olive mill wastewater (OMW) are considered an environmental threat due to their antimicrobial properties. Because of the metabolic versatility microalgae, a biotic removal these seems suitable approach. To investigate phenolic compounds, three microalgae species Chlorella vulgaris , Acutodesmus obliquus and Monoraphidium braunii were cultivated flasks under constant light (50 µmol/m 2 s) dark (1 g/L glucose) conditions presence different concentrations OMW. Addition 1% (v/v) OMW culture medium was shown be non-inhibitory or even growth enhancing, removed by 7–21% all tested species. Cultivations with 6% resulted few exceptional experiments fast ( C. light, M. conditions) dark). Higher percentages (12 25%, v/v) inhibitory. Under first consumed glucose diauxic process. Removal favoured conditions. Results this study reveal opportunities challenges microalgae-based valorization toxic Graphic abstract