Effect of Glass Effluent on Micro-Algae

This study investigated the effect of varied concentrations of glass effluent on two micro-alga, Monoraphidium contortum and Dimorphococcus lunatus, determine their growth, establish the inhibitory or stimulatory response and determine the suitability of employing the test algae for bioremediation of effluents and to determine the physicochemical attributes of the glass effluent. The effluents treatments were 0%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% concentrations for both algae and the growth response was monitored for 14 days. Statistical analysis was carried out to determine the statistical differences between the treatments. Physicochemical parameters of the various test samples were also assessed and electrical conductivity fell within the range of 272µS/cm to 437µS/cm for Monoraphidium contortum and 285µS/cm to 433µS/cm for Dimorphococcus lunatus. Total dissolved solids ranged between 136mg/L to 214mg/L for Monoraphidium contortum and 141mg/L to 217mg/L for Dimorphococcus lunatus while pH values were all alkaline for both alga (9.2 to 10.9). The results indicated an inhibitory and stimulating effect of the glass effluent on the growth of both microalgae, with higher concentrations demonstrating a more profound effect than lower concentrations. Statistical analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant difference in growth response among the different treatments of Monoraphidium contortum and Dimorphococcus lunatus (p > 0.05). Percentage yield for Monoraphidium contortum was highest at 50% on day 2 and lowest at 5% on day 12, while Dimorphococcus lunatus was highest at 10% on day 10 and lowest at 50% on day 2. Monoraphidium contortum cultures responded better than Dimorphococcus lunatus cultures in the glass effluent and would be more suitable for bioremediation of glass effluents