Microalgae-derived hydrogels/membranes for phosphorus removal and recovery from aquaculture tailwater: Waste utilization and phosphorus recycling.

ABSTRACT

Efficient removal and recovery of phosphorus from aquaculture tailwater is challenging due to increasing strict water environment restrictions. This study presents a sustainable approach by using microalgae-waste-derived hydrogels/membranes for phosphorus adsorption and microalgae cultivation. Waste from Euglena gracilis (or Haematococcus pluvialis), modified with magnesium, was converted into biochars (abbreviated as MEBC or MHBC). This biochars were then combined with sodium alginate to fabricate hydrogels and with polyvinyl chloride to create membranes. Due to the almost 100 % phosphorus removal of MEBC (or MHBC) biochar, the as-obtained hydrogels/membranes demonstrated excellent phosphate adsorption, reducing total phosphorus in real aquaculture tailwater from 11 mg/L to 0. Additionally, the phosphorus-saturated hydrogel served as a phosphorus source for microalgae cultivation, while the membranes facilitated microalgae harvesting with a water flux over 40 L/m2/h. This study provides an eco-friendly solution for using microalgae-waste-derived materials to effectively address phosphorus removal and recovery challenges in aquaculture tailwater.