Hala Arshad Ali University of Anbar, Upper Euphrates Basin Developing Centre, Iraq.
Email: halah.ali267@uoanbar.edu.iq
Muthana Badeea Farhan University of Anbar, Upper Euphrates Basin Developing Centre, Iraq.
Email: edw.microbio2003@uoanbar.edu.iq
Areej Hamad Hassan University of Anbar, Upper Euphrates Basin Developing Centre, Iraq.
Email: areej.h.h@uoanbar.edu.iq

Abstract:

This study investigates the efficacy of a dual algal treatment system using Oscillatoria splendida and Microcystis aeruginosa for the remediation of medical center wastewater. The research evaluated the performance of these cyanobacterial species in removing key pollutants, including organic matter, nutrients, and heavy metals, over a 14-day treatment period. Wastewater samples at 20%, 40%, and 60% dilutions were treated separately with each algal species. The results demonstrated significant reductions in electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, phosphates, nitrates and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni) across all dilutions. O. splendida was superior in the reduction of conductivity and removing certain heavy metals, while M. aeruginosa enhanced the efficiency in removing nitrate and zinc sequestration. Both were optimal at different wastewater dilutions for many pollutants, showing the potential for synergistic impacts in a combined treatment approach. According to the statistical analysis, there were significant differences between the two species' efficiencies, with strong correlations between algal biomass and pollutant removal. This study is insightful on applying algal-based systems for medically treating wastewater and suggests avenues to optimize treatment conditions in future large-scale applications.

Keywords:Medical Wastewater Treatment, Oscillatoria Splendida, Microcystis Aeruginosa, Cyanobacteria, Bioremediation, Heavy Metal Removal, Nutrient Removal, Dual Algal System.