Biocinatic and energy potential characterization of microalgae of wastewater treatment systems

The project will investigate the variability in biocinetics (assimilation of nutrients, biodegradation of carbonaceous matter, growth, oxygen production, lipid synthesis) and the potential for the production of biofuels of families and microalgae genres present in lagoons of wastewater treatment plants (PTAR) located in the high-Andean area of Ecuador. OBJECTIVES: (1) Implement and validity The respiration-titulation methodology for analysis of microorganism kinetics; (2) Identify families and genres of microalgae adapted to PTAR high and characterize their kinetic parameters for the implementation of mathematical models; (3) Investigate the synthesizer capacity of lipids of the microalgae identified and adapted to PTARS high. The microalgae will be obtained from the optional and maturation lagoons of the Ucubamba PTAR, Cuenca, Ecuador. Identification, isolation and cultivation of microalgae genres will be performed and the respiration-titulation technique will be used for the characterization of biocinetic parameters. The characterization of the content of oleaginous substances (potential for energy use) will be carried out by means of soxhlet extraction method. The project will take place in the Laboratory of Health, Faculty of Engineering with professors of the Faculties of Engineering and CCQQ, the participation of the Vlir-Callidad de Agua and Medicinal plants projects. The project will provide knowledge for the modeling of stabilization lagoons in addition to an advanced experimental capacity to evaluate kinetic microorganisms of biotechnological systems. A scientific baseline will be established for the use of microalgae present in effluents of height PTAR and exclusive biofuel production systems extracted from microalgae. There is a potential for minimum 2 ISI scientific publications. The total budget is 138590 USD, requesting the USD 62560. The direct beneficiaries are: Sanitary Laboratory, Engineering Faculty, Ptars Management Entities, Public Health, Energy Matrix of the country.