Optimizing aeration intensity to enhance self-flocculation in algal-bacterial symbiosis systems

Effectuating optimal wastewater treatment via algae-bacterial symbiosis (ABS) systems necessitates the precise selection of aeration intensity. This study pioneers an in-depth investigation into the interplay of aeration intensity on the microalgal-bacterial consortia's self-flocculation efficacy and the overall treatment performance within ABS systems. The research provides evidence for a direct association between aeration intensity and biomass proliferation, indicating enhanced pollutant removal efficiency with escalated intensities (1.0 and 1.5 L min−1), though the variance lacks statistical significance. The peak self-flocculation efficacy of the microalgal-bacterial consortium (82.39% at 30 min) was manifested at an aeration intensity of 1.0 L min−1. The meticulous analysis of biomass properties showed the complexity of self-flocculation capacity in the consortium, which involves a dynamic interplay of several pivotal factors, including floc size, zeta potential, and EPS content. In situations where these factors pose conflicting influences, the determining factor emerges as the dominant influencer. In this study, the optimal aeration intensity was identified as 1 L min−1, shedding light on the critical threshold for ABS system operation. This study not only enriches the understanding of microalgal-bacterial wastewater treatment mechanisms but also fosters innovative strategies to enhance the performance of such systems.