Abstract

Basil pesto sauce manufacturing generates wastewater rich in organic compounds and nutrients, posing environmental challenges if not properly treated. This study investigates the bioremediation potential of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris Beij and Scenedesmus sp for treating wastewater from basil pesto sauce production. Both microalgae species were cultured in wastewater supplemented with nutrients under controlled conditions to evaluate their capacity to remove organic pollutants, nitrogen compounds, and phosphates. Monitoring parameters included biomass growth, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and lipid content. Results demonstrate significant reductions in BOD, COD, TN, and TP levels after microalgae treatment, indicating effective remediation of organic and nutrient pollutants. The lipid content of microalgae biomass suggests potential applications in biofuel production. This study highlights the feasibility of using Chlorella vulgaris Beij and Scenedesmus sp for sustainable bioremediation of basil pesto sauce manufacturing wastewater, offering insights into environmentally friendly treatment solutions for food processing industries.