Amino acids, fatty acids, and peptides in microalgae biomass harvested from phycoremediation of swine wastewaters

Algae-based wastewater tertiary treatment systems have been drawing attention to eco-friendly companies due to high remediation effectiveness and production of valuable raw material. The amino acids, fatty acids, and peptides from microalgae harvested from a pilot-scale phycoremediation system treating swine wastewater were determined. The maximum microalgae concentration of 247 ± 3.4 mg L−1 was obtained after 11 days when phosphate and ammonium were completely removed. The AA content showed relatively high concentrations (as % of total protein) of essential amino acids such as leucine (4.1), lysine (2.5), phenylalanine (2.6), and threonine (2.4). The fatty acid profile was composed of 5.3% polyunsaturated (as C18:2 and C18:3) and ~ 10% of unsaturated (mainly C16:1 and C18:1). About 25 bioactive peptides related to antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties were found. Therefore, microalgae biomass produced during phycoremediation of swine wastewaters seems promising as a source of alternative feedstock with high-added value molecules.