The use of microalgae represents a feasible option to remove
heavy metals in a WWTP. Overall, the Mixture and Spirulina
maxima strains achieved highest removal efficiencies for Cu and
Zn. In both the trials, untreated and autoclaved, all microalgae
strains and combinations were able to demonstrate the
potential for heavy metal uptake while being grown in
secondary effluent from a WWTP. In the untreated trial,
there were greater concentration differences between the
inoculated samples and the control than that of the autoclaved
trial as there is an initial concentration of microalgae.
Conversely, the autoclaved trial reached higher removal
efficiencies more quickly for Cu and did not display as large
a concentration difference between the control and inoculated
samples, suggesting a relationship between bacteria and
microalgae exists.