Minkery wastewater integrated into microalgae and cyanobacteria production

Abstract

In Nova Scotia, the mink industry has become an essential component to the economic vitality of the agricultural sector. With emerging regulations from the Fur Industry Act of 2010, mink producers are required to identify means to reduce pollutants in effluent waters. Employing microalgae or cyanobacteria could serve a double purpose to generate high-value biomass while assisting in the remediation of wastewater. This study aims to investigate the potential of integrating minkery wastewater into microalgae and cyanobacteria production. Two strains, Chlorella vulgaris and Anabaena sp. were selected due to their prevalence. Based on the findings, this study proved the potential of utilizing minkery wastewater as an alternative medium for microalgae cultivation. The growth characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris in minkery wastewater were significantly better than those in modified Bold’s basal medium. Although cyanobacteria cultivation in minkery wastewater remains a challenge, continued research may make minkery wastewater more competitive with other mediums.