manure-related wastewaters [3,4]. Therefore, high nutrient removals
do not always correspond to high nutrient uptakes.
Microalgae growth and nutrients removal mechanisms involved
in wastewater bioremediation are highly dependent on temperature
and light. Optimal growth temperatures for most microalgal
species are in the range of 15e26 C. Under low temperatures,
metabolic rates of microalgae diminish and therefore, lower growth
rates are attained while high temperatures may result in oxidative
stress. On the other hand, light energy is stored in the cells for
growth and CO2 fixation and thus, a positive correlation between
hours of illumination and microalge growth has been reported [5].
However, if the light saturation point is reached, the light receptors
can be damaged resulting in photoinhibition.
Most of the studies dealing with microalgae for wastewater
treatment have been focused on single microalgal species or
microalgae-bacteria flocs but the use of microalgae consortia has
been reported to be more efficient in terms of biomass production
and nutrient recycling than individual microalgae cultivation [6].
* Corresponding author. Likewise, the use of microalgae instead of microalgae-bacteria