Multi-Soil-Layering Technology: A New Approach to Remove Microcystis aeruginosa and Microcystins from Water

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Mugani, R (Author) Other; Aba, RP (Author) Other; Hejjaj, A (Author) Other; El Khalloufi, F (Author) Other; Ouazzani, N (Author) Other; Marisa M R Almeida (Author) FCUP; Carvalho, PN (Author) Other; Vitor Vasconcelos (Author) FCUP; Alexandre Campos (Author) FCUP; Mandi, L (Author) Other; Oudra, B (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Water

Vol. 7

Final page: 686

ISSN: 2073-4441

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-7YS

DOI: 10.3390/w14050686

Abstract (EN): Eutrophication of surface waters caused by toxic cyanobacteria such as Microcystis aeruginosa leads to the release of secondary metabolites called Microcystins (MCs), which are heptapeptides with adverse effects on soil microbiota, plants, animals, and human health. Therefore, to avoid succumbing to the negative effects of these cyanotoxins, various remediation approaches have been considered. These techniques involve expensive physico-chemical processes because of the specialized equipment and facilities required. Thus, implementing eco-technologies capable of handling this problem has become necessary. Indeed, multi-soil-layering (MSL) technology can essentially meet this requirement. This system requires little space, needs simple maintenance, and has energy-free operation and high durability (20 years). The performance of the system is such that it can remove 1.16 to 4.47 log(10) units of fecal contamination from the water, 98% of suspended solids (SS), 92% of biological oxygen demand (BOD), 98% of chemical oxygen demand (COD), 92% of total nitrogen (TN), and 100% of total phosphorus (TP). The only reported use of the system to remove cyanotoxins has shown a 99% removal rate of MC-LR. However, the mechanisms involved in removing this toxin from the water are not fully understood. This paper proposes reviewing the principal methods employed in conventional water treatment and other technologies to eliminate MCs from the water. We also describe the principles of operation of MSL systems and compare the performance of this technology with others, highlighting some advantages of this technology in removing MCs. Overall, the combination of multiple processes (physico-chemical and biological) makes MSL technology a good choice of cyanobacterial contamination treatment system that is applicable in real-life conditions, especially in rural areas.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 21