Assessment of Physico-Chemical Parameters in Household Wastewater after the Cultivation of Cyanobacteria (Spirulina platensis)

Spirulina is extensively studied among cyanobacteria. It has been used as a source of protein since ancient times. The present investigation addressed the cultivation of Spirulina in kitchen wastewater with the aim of water remediation. Water quality parameters were evaluated by analysing physicochemical parameters both before and after the growth of Spirulina. The microscopic inspection revealed the presence of Spirulina exhibiting spiral and helical shapes. Water quality parameters, including total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, chlorides, sulfates, phosphate, total hardness, and total alkalinity, were found to be high in the wastewater before the cultivation of Spirulina. In addition, it had very acidic conditions with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0. The cultivation of Spirulina resulted in favourable changes in various chemical parameters. Specifically, the total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, chlorides, sulfates, phosphate, total hardness, and total alkalinity decreased while the sodium level increased. Further, it increased the pH level to the neutral range. According to the findings of this study, it can be inferred that cultivating Spirulina in wastewater positively altered the physicochemical characteristics of the wastewater and resulted in an increased yield of Spirulina.