Using natural zeolite for ammonia sorption from wastewater and as nitrogen releaser for the cultivation of Arthrospira platensis

• A new approach is described for microalgal biomass production using wastewater.
• Zeolite was used to adsorb ammonia from ammonia-rich wastewater.
• The ammonia enriched zeolite (AEZ) was transferred to cultures of A. platensis.
• AEZ released ammonia to the cultures and acted as the sole nitrogen source.

Herein a new approach for the application of wastewater nutrients for the cultivation of cyanobacteria or microalgae is described. Natural zeolite was used as medium for the sorption of ammonia from wastewater and subsequently as nitrogen releaser in cultures of Arthrospira platensis. The main scope of the present approach was to isolate ammonia from the wastewater and to transfer it into the culture medium excluding thus the suspended solids, the dissolved colored compounds or any other possible contaminant of the wastewater. The results demonstrate that the indirect use of ammonia derived from wastewater using zeolite as sorption and releasing medium for the cultivation of A. platensis is promising. This is the first time that a medium was used for indirect application of wastewater nutrient for the production of cyanobacterial or microalgal biomass.

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