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Harnessing dairy wastewater to cultivate Scenedesmus sp. for biofertilizer applications in Phaseolus vulgaris L.: a sustainable agro-biotechnological approach

Abstract:

Transforming traditional linear production into sustainable circular processes is crucial, and integrating microalgae biomass production with wastewater recycling is a promising approach. This study addresses key challenges using dairy industry effluents as a nutrient-rich medium, achieving high biomass productivity and protein content with Scenedesmus sp. grown in an 80% wastewater-based medium. Impressive nutrient removal efficiencies were recorded for TN (79.24%) and PO<inf>4</inf>-3 (77.14%). The proposed culture medium achieved maximum productivity of 0.22 ± 0.05 g L−1 day−1 and a high protein concentration of 384.38 ± 34.06 mg g−1, demonstrating the medium’s efficiency in promoting substantial biomass and nutritional quality. The application of Scenedesmus sp. biomass in treatment T<inf>1</inf> (extract) and T<inf>2</inf> (culture) in Phaseolus vulgaris significantly improved soil quality, increasing the concentration of organic matter (SOM), nitrates, phosphates, and microbial activity. Additionally, T<inf>1</inf> promoted the vegetative and reproductive development of P. vulgaris, as reflected in a germination index of 305.81%, an average height of 49.52 cm, higher leaf density, a greater number of floral buds, and enhanced floral development. These results demonstrate the bio-stimulatory potential of biomass and its role in practical bioremediation, highlighting the environmental and agricultural benefits of this innovative approach.