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Utilizing Spirogyra grevilleana as a Phytoremediatory Agent for Reduction of Limnetic Nutrients and Escherichia coli Concentrations
  • Malcolm Barnard,
  • James W. Porter,
  • Susan Wilde
Malcolm Barnard
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Marine Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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James W. Porter
University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia Odum School of Ecology

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Susan Wilde
University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Abstract

The freshwater alga Spirogyra grevilleana was used in an experimental biofiltration system to reduce levels of Escherichia coli, nitrates, and phosphates. Water collected from a 2.32 ha lake in Atlanta, Georgia, USA was pumped at a constant rate ( m3 hr-1) through the algal filtration devices with low and high concentrations of S. grevilleana. Effluent water was tested over time for E. coli, nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels. Both concentrations of S. grevilleana reduced E. coli by 100% and significantly reduced nitrate concentrations (30% ± 13%) and phosphate concentrations (23% ± 5%) while maintaining dissolved oxygen and pH at normal levels. Utilizing S. grevilleana in an algal filtration device could potentially provide a sustainable, flexible, and low-cost method of E. coli reduction in freshwater lakes worldwide. Initial results indicate that the use of S. grevilleana in conjunction with an algal filtration device is potentially capable of creating potable water.