High rate algal oxidation ponding for the treatment of tannery effluents

Abstract

The growth of Spirulina sp has been observed in tannery effluent stabilization ponds. The development of a Spirulina-based High Rate Oxidation Pond was undertaken and both substantial remediation and odour reduction were achieved. Accumulating alkalinity associated with algal growth in the pond cascade was successfully used to reduce the ammonia toxicity effects on Spirulina productivity. Evaluation of the feed value of harvested biomass was undertaken in Artemia salina, chickens, abalone and rainbow trout. A Spirulina-based High Rate Algal Oxidation Ponding process has been shown to present a potential opportunity factor in the form of value-added biomass providing a novel dimension to the treatment of tannery effluents.