Amino acids, fatty acids, and peptides in microalgae biomass harvested from phycoremediation of swine wastewaters

Algae-based wastewater tertiary treatment systems have been drawing attention to eco-friendly companies due to high remediation effectiveness and production of valuable raw material. The amino acids, fatty acids, and peptides from microalgae harvested from a pilot-scale phycoremediation system treating swine wastewater were determined. The maximum microalgae concentration of 247 +/- 3.4 mg L-1 was obtained after 11 days when phosphate and ammonium were completely removed. The AA content showed relatively high concentrations (as % of total protein) of essential amino acids such as leucine (4.1), lysine (2.5), phenylalanine (2.6), and threonine (2.4). The fatty acid profile was composed of 5.3% polyunsaturated (as C18:2 and C18:3) and similar to 10% of unsaturated (mainly C16:1 and C18:1). About 25 bioactive peptides related to antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties were found. Therefore, microalgae biomass produced during phycoremediation of swine wastewaters seems promising as a source of alternative feedstock with high-added value molecules.

Automated summary

Algae-based wastewater treatment systems have attracted attention for their high remediation effectiveness and production of valuable raw materials. Microalgae harvested from treating swine wastewater was found to have high concentrations of amino acids, fatty acids, and peptides, making it a promising source of alternative feedstock with high-added value molecules.