Evaluation of the microalgae Euglena gracilis for the bioremediation of emerging contaminant (17 beta-estradiol) in association to the tertiary wastewater treatment.

• Grant number: 24/08676-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Chuei Matsudo
• Grantee: Matheus Barbosa Herbst de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The hormone 17 beta-estradiol is considered an emerging contaminant that has raised concerns regarding human health and ecosystem well-being. Therefore, studies related to the effects of this contaminant and possible mitigation strategies are of utmost importance. Thus, this project aims at evaluating the use of the microalga Euglena gracilis in the bioremediation of the emerging contaminant 17 beta-estradiol, in association with tertiary wastewater treatment. Initially, the bioremediation capacity will be tested with different concentrations of the hormone in synthetic effluent, conducting cultivations in bench-scale tubular photobioreactors. Next, the process will be validated in secondary effluent from a sewage treatment plant (Sabesp), where the removal capacity of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and coliforms (total coliforms and Escherichia coli) will also be evaluated. The resulting biomass will be evaluated concerning total lipid content and fatty acid profile.