Abstract
The transformation of residual biomass from bioremediation processes into new products is a worldwide trend driven by economic, environmental and social gain. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential for obtaining bioproducts of technological interest from the remaining periphytic biomass formed during a bioremediation process with an algal turf scrubber (ATS) system installed in a lake catchment. Different methodologies were used according to the target bioproduct. Analyses were performed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC/DAD), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results demonstrated that the periphytic biomass presented potential since protein (17.7%), carbohydrates (22.4%), total lipids (3.3%) with 3.6 mg mL−1 of fatty acids, antioxidants (144.5 μmol Trolox eq. g−1) and chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids (1,719.7 μg mL−1, 541.2 μg mL−1 and 317.7 μg mL−1, respectively) were obtained. Inorganic analysis presented a value of 42.3 ± 2.58% of total ash and metal presence was detected, indicating bioaccumulation. The properties found in periphyton strengthen the possibility of its application in different areas, ensuring bioremediation efficiency.
Bioproducts characterization of residual periphytic biomass produced in an algal turf scrubber (ATS) bioremediation system