Co-pelletization of fungi and microalgae for efficient tetracycline and nutrient removal

The potential harm to environmental and human health caused by antibiotic abuse has attracted widespread concern. In this study, the effects of the initial biomass ratio of Chlorella vulgaris and Ganoderma lucidum on the basic properties (sphericity, diameter, and color), growth, and photosynthetic performance of microalgae-fungi symbionts were analyzed. The effect and mechanism of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) removal were investigated. Optimal removal was obtained at a 10:1 ratio (microalgae/fungi) with a 5 mm diameter symbiont. Under these conditions, the chlorophyll a concentration was 186.49 ± 17.81 μg L-1, and maximum removal efficiencies for total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chemical oxygen demand, and TC in wastewater were 84.68% ± 8.13%, 82.96% ± 8.12%, 81.77% ± 7.68%, and 94.57% ± 5.14%, respectively. These results provide important theoretical guidance for treatment applications for antibiotic-containing wastewater.