Use of anthropic acclimated Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis) bio-adsorption in the treatment of swine farm wastewater

The progressive acclimation method was adapted to enhance growth of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis in stepwise increasing concentrations of swine farm wastewater. Anthropically selected S. platensis decomposed and absorbed organic materials and metabolites remaining in the wastewater. Water quality checks and monitoring the concentration of S. platensis showed that by the fourth day, wastewater samples met governmentally approved emission standards. S. platensis lowered chemical oxygen demand and the concentrations of suspended solids, and also absorbed phosphorus compounds, nitrates, and ammonia, effectively removing bad odors. A swine farm in Taitung, Taiwan is growing S. platensis in large scale pools by applying this method. The de-polluting effect is significant, and S. platensis is recycled into pig feed. The S. platensis product market value is sufficient to cover all variable costs and contribute toward the cost of installation.