THE GREENTREAT PROJECT: MICROALGAE FOR THE TERTIARY TREATMENT OF URBAN EFFLUENTS IN THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

The study presented in a poster highlighted the significance of wastewater treatment, especially in resource-challenged regions like the Mediterranean. Conventional treatment methods often struggle to remove specific pollutants, but the study showcased the potential of microalgae for efficient wastewater cleaning. These microorganisms demonstrated their ability to remove both inorganic and organic contaminants, significantly improving the quality of treated water. Furthermore, microalgae can store energy and nutrients in their biomass, which can be harnessed to produce valuable biofuels, potentially offsetting wastewater treatment costs. The study also emphasized the importance of reusing treated water as it aligns with international and European strategies and contributes to environmental protection. Notably, the study presented the successful deployment of innovative GreenDune microalgal photobioreactors in a real wastewater treatment plant in Portugal, effectively reducing nutrient emissions during the autumn period.