Removal of Nutrients and Pesticides from Agricultural Runoff Using Microalgae and Cyanobacteria

The use of pesticides in agriculture has ensured the production different crops. However, have become an emerging public health problem for Latin American countries due to their excessive use, inadequate application, toxic characteristics, and minimal residue control. current project evaluates ability two strains algae (Chlorella Scenedesmus sp.) one cyanobacteria (Hapalosyphon remove excess other nutrients present runoff water from rice production. Different concentrations wastewater carbon sources (Na2CO3 NaHCO3) were evaluated. According results, all three can be grown without dilution (100%), with a biomass concentration comparable synthetic medium. All significantly reduced NO3 PO4 (95 85%, respectively), no difference between Na2CO3 or NaHCO3. Finally, Chlorella sp. obtained highest removal efficiency pesticide (Chlorpyrifos), followed by Hapalosyphon (100, 75, 50%, respectively). This work shows that it is possible this type waste as alternative source obtain metabolites interest, such lipids carbohydrates, produce biofuels.