Evaluation of the microalga Euglena gracilis for the bioremediation of emerging contaminant (antibiotics) in association to the tertiary wastewater treatment.

• Grant number: 24/08700-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Chuei Matsudo
• Grantee: Kevin Souza do Espirito Santo
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/04170-0 - Evaluation of microalgae for the bioremediation of emerging contaminants in association with tertiary wastewater treatment, AP.R

Abstract

The current state of water bodies has been a cause for concern, both in Brazil and in other countries, and one of the reasons is the presence of emerging contaminants, organic or inorganic compounds that can pose risks, including to human health, and are found in a wide range of environments. Another concern is the excess of nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). In this context, the use of microalgae can be an interesting alternative, as they have the potential to degrade emerging contaminants while assimilating nutrients through tertiary wastewater treatment. This project aims to evaluate the microalga Euglena gracilis as a bioremediation agent for antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, emerging contaminants that can be found in sewage treatment plants) in association with tertiary wastewater treatment. The resulting microalgae biomass will be analyzed for lipid content and fatty acid profile, considering the possibility of application in the production of biofuels, for example. The project is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 13 (climate action) and 14 (life below water).