The Potential of Chlorella Vulgaris for Wastewater Treatment and Biodiesel Production

The release of municipal wastewater from various sources can cause contamination of water bodies and algal blooms. In this study isolated strain of chlorella vulgaris was used for treatment of municipal wastewater and biodiesel production. Initially Chlorella culture was prepared in artificial media then it was inoculated in transparent and covered, glass ponds containing wastewater to investigate its treatment efficiency. A lab scale biological wastewater treatment design was also made using chlorella vulgaris. Harvested biomass was transesterified to biodiesel using sodium metal as a catalyst. Percent reduction of COD (chemical oxygen demand), BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), NO3, PO4 and TC (total coliforms) was almost similar in all types of transparent and covered ponds after treatment with chlorella vulgaris. Analysis of selected parameters was carried out at each step of biological treatment design and maximum reduction percentage of COD (99.9%), BOD (100%), NO3 (99.98%), PO4 (99.96%) and TC (100%), was observed by applying chlorella vulgaris. Biodiesel produced by direct transesterification of dried algal biomass was analyzed and compared with ASTM (American Standard Test Method) standards. Results showed that biodiesel produced was of good quality and it can be used as a fuel in vehicles.