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Abstract
This paper will show the results of a research project about nutrient removal from brines by means of microalgae. This work was a part of a much more ambitious project that searches for possible solutions for management of brines. The objectives of the present research about microalgae were: selection of species for nitrate removal in desalination brines; optimization of control parameters; and determination of possible commercial use. None of the most common species of algae used for industrial culture could be adapted to brine conditions. Spontaneous colonisation of brine by species occurring in the surroundings of the desalination plant provided strains that were finally used in the experiments here presented. In laboratory conditions, the best results were obtained for Tetraselmis seucica illuminated with fluorescent tubes with light period 16–18 h and constant temperature of 22°C. In the outdoor pilot plant Oocystis sp was found the most efficient in nitrate removal (45%) and the most productive in terms of biomass per volume.