Microalgae and nano-cellulose composite produced via a co-culturing strategy for ammonia removal from the aqueous phase

This study addresses the pressing need for sustainable bioremediation solutions to combat increasing pollution challenges in alignment with sustainability development goals. The research focuses on developing a co-culture approach involving microalgae and Komagataeibacter europaeus BCRC 14148 bacterium to create a biocomposite for efficient ammonia removal. Nanocellulose, produced by the bacterium, serves as a substrate for microalgae attachment. Optimization using specific growth media ratios resulted in biocomposite yields of 4.05 ± 0.16 g/L and 3.83 ± 0.13 g/L in HS medium with fructose and glucose, respectively. The optimal conditions include a 40:60 ratio of HS-F to TAP medium, 25 ℃ incubation, 6000 Lux light intensity, pH 5.5, and a 48-hour incubation period. When applied to wastewater treatment, the biocomposite demonstrated exceptional ammonium removal efficiency at 91.64 ± 1.27 %. This co-culture-derived biocomposite offers an eco-friendly, recyclable, and effective solution for sustainable environmental bioremediation.