Bioremediation efficacy—comparison of nutrient removal from an anaerobic digest waste-based medium by an algal consortium before and after cryopreservation

• DOI: 10.1007/s10811-017-1066-x
• Publication Date: 2017-02-04T23:17:32Z
• Authors: Alla Silkina; Graham D. Nelson; Catherine E. Bayliss; Craig L. Pooley; John G. Day
• Keywords: Photobioreactor; Microbial consortium; Axenic

An algal consortium was isolated from an integrated steelmaking site at TATA Steel Strip Products Ltd. in Port Talbot, UK, and its bioremediation capacity tested. Excellent "bioremediation" observed when the mixed culture "applied" to diluted effluent enhanced anaerobic digestion plant Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water UK. After 5 days of cultivation a 600-L photobioreactor, 99% total nitrogen (initial level, 4500 μmol L-1) phosphorus 690.4 were removed waste stream. The deposited Culture Collection Algae Protozoa (CCAP), international depository authority for microalgal patents, as CCAP 293/1. This material has been successfully cryopreserved using two-step cryopreservation protocol with dimethyl sulphoxide (5% v/v) used cryoprotectant. On recovery samples after 3 months storage -196 °C, specific activity revived bioremediate not significantly different (p < 0.05) non-cryopreserved control, remediated by day 4. Although non-axenic cultures have previously cryopreserved, this is first report successful consortium, validation ability thawing comparing post-thaw consortium. study also highlights need ensure long-term security requirement validate functionality conserved inocula biotechnological/bioremediation potential.