Bioremediation of Industrial Wastewater in Tokarawa Area of Kano State Using Chlorella Vulgaris

This study aimed to investigate the bioremediation potential of Chlorella vulgaris in treating industrial wastewater from the Tokarawa area of Kano State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to evaluate the alga's effectiveness in reducing physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in the effluent. The research employed laboratory-based experimental methods, where industrial wastewater was collected and treated using cultivated Chlorella vulgaris over a three-week period. Key water quality parameters such as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate, and heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn) were analyzed before and after treatment. Data analysis involved the use of paired sample t-tests to determine statistical significance at a 95% confidence level. The results revealed significant improvements in water quality. BOD levels decreased by 88%, TSS by 84.4%, and nitrate by 88.2%, indicating effective organic and nutrient load removal. Heavy metal concentrations also declined, with copper and zinc showing statistically significant reductions across all treatment stages. However, lead reduction was only significant in the first week, suggesting potential saturation effects. The major conclusion of the study is that Chlorella vulgaris demonstrates strong potential for low-cost, eco-friendly remediation of industrial wastewater. It is recommended that further studies explore pilot-scale implementation and hybrid systems to enhance long-term heavy metal removal, particularly for persistent contaminants like lead.