ABSTRACT

Algae are photosynthetic microorganisms containing chlorophyll. Like fungi, algae are identified by their physical characteristics. Algae use light as their source of energy for synthesizing cell protoplasm. In addition to light, algae need a source of carbon for cell protoplasm. Phosphorus is a critical element for the growth of algae. The growth of algae follows the same general pattern as the growth of bacteria and fungi. Endogenous respiration by the algae results in the oxidation of cell mass with the use of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide, water and ammonia. Algae have created a number of environmental concerns in rivers and lakes throughout the world. Algae also play a positive role in wastewater treatment for many small communities. The keys to using algae in wastewater treatment systems lie in understanding the basic biochemistry of the algae, the wastewater characteristics, and the practical engineering design concepts.