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Green algae and yeast enhance each other’s growth potential, thereby increasing the efficiency of wastewater treatment.
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Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University
Bakeries and wineries can’t do without yeast, but they have no need for green algae. Wastewater treatment facilities, however, might just want to have these microorganisms team up. Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have discovered that these simple organisms form the best combination in terms of boosting wastewater treatment efficiency.
The active sludge method of wastewater treatment requires electricity to ensure the flow of oxygen that feeds bacteria and other organisms that process the water. Adding microalgae to conduct photosynthesis, which produces oxygen, improves energy-efficiency, but low carbon dioxide levels hinder their growth. Enter the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which produces carbon dioxide.
Associate Professor Ryosuke Yamada of the Graduate School of Engineering led the group in investigating which combination of these types of microorganisms would provide the highest efficiency in wastewater treatment. Reported for the first time to the researchers’ knowledge, the group found that the combination of the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and yeast had the best efficiency. Notably, the combination enhanced the green algae’s ability to absorb ammonium and phosphate ions.
“The green algae and yeast are highly safe for humans, especially considering that treated wastewater is discharged into the environment,” Professor Yamada explained. “These microorganisms can also accumulate useful compounds such as polysaccharides, fats, and oils in their cells, and be used as microbial fertilizers, so it is possible to expect useful compounds to be produced at the same time as the wastewater is being treated.”
The findings were published in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.
About OMU
Established in Osaka as one of the largest public universities in Japan, Osaka Metropolitan University is committed to shaping the future of society through “Convergence of Knowledge” and the promotion of world-class research. For more research news, visit and follow us on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn.
Journal
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
DOI
10.1007/s00253-024-13309-w
Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Co-utilization of microalgae and heterotrophic microorganisms improves wastewater treatment efficiency
Article Publication Date
18-Sep-2024
COI Statement
The authors declare no competing interests.
Source: Osaka Metropolitan University
Source: Osaka Metropolitan University
