Accumulation of potassium in microalgae cultivated in dairy wastewater and their potential as biofertilizer

Microalgae are promising candidates for nutrient recovery from industrial effluents while producing biomass suitable for use as biofertilizer. This study investigated the effect of physical pretreatment of dairy wastewater on potassium removal and subsequent accumulation in microalgal biomass, followed by assessment of its fertilizing potential on lettuce (Lactuca sativa). In the first experimental phase, Scenedesmus subspicatus was cultivated in raw and physically pretreated wastewater to evaluate growth performance and nutrient removal efficiency. Pretreatment significantly enhanced algal growth, with chlorophyll-a concentration 128% higher compared to cultures grown in untreated wastewater.[...]