Microalgal dynamics in batch reactors for municipal wastewater treatment containing dairy sewage water

This study investigates the microalgal community dynamics associated with changes in municipal wastewater quality and discharges from the dairy industry in central Veracruz, Mexico, using an experimental stabilization-reactors system. Thirty one species of microalgae were recorded and 15 physicochemical variables were measured daily over 25 days in pretreated water. The biomass of microalgal groups displayed significant negative correlations with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspend solids (TSS). Conversely, a significant positive correlation was found with dissolved oxygen, pH and nitrates. Using the Canonical Correspondence Analysis we identified an initial anaerobic phase (Phase I), characterized by high BOD, TSS and COD, ammonium and faecal coliforms. This was followed by a transition phase (Phase II), an initial aerobic phase (Phase III), when water quality improved considerably, and finally an aerobic phase (IV) with a high percent reduction in these parameters and almost complete organic load removal. The most abundant species associated with these phases were Arthrospira jenneri (Cyanophyceae) and Coccomonas sp. (Chlorophyceae) in Phase I; Polytomella sp. (Chlorophyceae) in Phase II; Polytoma tetraolare, Chlamydomonas caeca (Chlorophyceae) and some Cyanophyceae including Geitlerinema, Synechocystis, Cyanobium and Glaucospira in Phase III; Carteria sp. (Chlorophyceae), Lepocynclis ovum and Euglena clavata (Euglenophcyeae) in Phase IV. Maximum richness, diversity, and biomass levels occurred during the aerobic phase. Similar to other wastewater treatment systems the high succession rates decreased with reactor stabilization. These findings provide statistical evidence on the suitability of certain microalgae species as indicators of wastewater stabilization reactor status and effluent quality.