Elimination of pollutants in wastewater using native macroalgae: stress physiological reactions and remediation potential

Anthropogenic micropollutants such as pesticides, bisphenols, hormones, and PFAS are increasingly polluting aquatic ecosystems and pose a growing risk to the environment and human health. These substances enter water bodies through diffuse sources, where they negatively impact aquatic organisms and the ecological balance. Due to bioaccumulation along the food chain, higher organisms are also at risk. Conventional wastewater treatment plants are unable to sufficiently remove anthropogenic pollutants. The fourth treatment stage aims to increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. Existing processes often require additional chemicals, have high energy demands, and incur high costs. There is therefore an urgent need for sustainable, resource-efficient alternatives to reduce micropollutants in water bodies. A promising approach to environmentally friendly wastewater treatment is the use of macroalgae of the genus Ulva. These algae are characterized by high growth rates, adaptability, and the ability to accumulate and degrade pollutants. In addition, Ulva binds micronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate within its biomass, which can be used in a variety of ways in food and chemical production, as well as in energy generation. My research investigates the suitability of native freshwater Ulva species for removing and degrading micropollutants in wastewater. The goal is to establish a sustainable biological model system that complements existing purification technologies. Previous studies have shown that Ulva can absorb a wide range of pollutants, whereas its capacity to degrade these compounds has received comparatively little attention. The combination of biological and chemical analyses enables a comprehensive understanding of pollutant degradation processes.

PhD start: 07/01/2025