RESUMEN
Effects of different mixing ratios between synthetic municipal wastewater (MW) and magnesium (Mg2+)-enriched nickel laterite ore wastewater (NLOWW) on growth of Chlorella sorokiniana (C. sorokiniana), photosynthetic activities, cellular biocomposition, nutrient and Mg2+ removal were investigated in photobioreactors. In the culture without NLOWW, wrinkled cells were observed with low biomass production. The culture mixed with 0.13% NLOWW obtained 1.89-fold higher biomass yield, 3.77-fold enhanced photosynthetic activity (Fv/Fm value), and improved nutrient removal (nitrogen by 102.2%, phosphorus by 39.3%). However, excessive Mg2+ at 100% NLOWW produced highest reactive oxygen species suppressing microalgal growth. The Mg2+ removal capacity increased with NLOWW loading. Moreover, microalgal assimilation primarily contributed to nutrient removal while absorption was the dominant Mg2+ removal pathway. Carbohydrate content in biomass increased with Mg2+ loading. Finally, the approach for MW/NLOWW treatment was demonstrated as economically feasible with revenue of $75.6 per kilogram biomass through a comprehensive economic model.