A novel alginate-based bioremediation membrane system for effective treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater: a continuous process optimization study

Abstract This study aimed to develop and optimize alginate-based bioremediation beads for treating slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW), focusing on removing total dissolved solids (TDS) and turbidity. Objectives included characterizing SWW, fabricating alginate-algal bioremediation beads (AABB) and alginate-mushroom bioremediation beads (AMBB), evaluating process factors, and determining optimal conditions using a continuous packed-bed bioreactor. Sodium alginate, cross-linked with calcium chloride and sodium borate, formed beads with porosities of 72.14% (AABB) and 75% (AMBB), swollen ratios of 55.49% (AABB) and 50% (AMBB), and pore volumes of 1.25 mL/g (AABB) and 1.0 mL/g (AMBB). A one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) design assessed flow rate (1.9–17.9 mL/min), packing height (1–5 cm), and contact time, while response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) optimized parameters. Results showed AMBB achieved a maximum turbidity removal of 91.4% and TDS removal of 85.1% at 17.9 mL/min and 4.9 cm height, outperforming AABB’s 87.5% turbidity and 79.9% TDS removal at similar conditions. Higher flow rates and packing heights enhanced efficiency by improving contact time and surface area, with AMBB’s superior performance linked to its porosity and fungal enzymatic activity. This novel dual-functionality approach—combining biosorption and biodegradation—offers a sustainable, scalable alternative to conventional methods, reducing organic loads effectively. The study’s innovation lies in integrating algae and mushrooms into alginate matrices within a continuous system, contributing significantly to eco-friendly wastewater management by achieving over 90% pollutant removal under optimized conditions.