Unlocking the Intertwined Effects of CO2 Concentrations on Microalgae Structure in Wastewater Treatment

This research, conducted as part of our wastewater treatment project utilizing algal technology, analyzed how varying doses of carbon dioxide (CO₂) influence the structural dynamics of microalgae species. The study employed a factorial design experiment and batch culture systems, using Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and distance-based Redundancy Analysis (dbRDA) to assess changes in algal species composition in response to different CO₂ concentrations and physico-chemical variables. Primary-treated municipal wastewater was used as the growth medium. The results demonstrated that CO₂ plays a crucial role in shaping the composition and diversity of algal species during wastewater treatment. Moreover, we found that the performance of specific microalgal strains clearly depends on CO₂ concentration, highlighting the importance of tailored inoculation strategies. This research provides a foundation for developing algae-based predictive models, improving wastewater treatment methods and advancing more efficient and environmentally sustainable treatment systems. Incorporating eco-friendly algal technologies can significantly enhance and modernize wastewater management.