Evaluation of the effectiveness of green algae Scenedesmus amatus in bioremediation of petroleum-derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

Background: Iraq’s economy depends heavily on oil production and exports. However, oil extraction, transportation, and refining generate substantial environmental pollution that can adversely affect water resources, human health, and other living organisms. Oil spills and refinery emissions contribute to increasing pollution levels and ecosystem degradation, highlighting the importance of adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly remediation strategies.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the green microalga Scenedesmus amatus to remove acenaphthylene from contaminated media at different initial concentrations.

Methods: The bioremediation potential of S. amatus was investigated using acenaphthylene at initial concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/L. Residual acenaphthylene concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the removal efficiency was calculated for each treatment.

Results: HPLC analysis demonstrated complete acenaphthylene removal, with a remediation efficiency of 100%, at initial concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/L. The findings indicate that S. amatus exhibited a high capacity to remove acenaphthylene under the experimental conditions.

Conclusion: The green microalga Scenedesmus amatus showed promising potential for the bioremediation of acenaphthylene-contaminated environments. This biological approach may provide an economical and environmentally sustainable method for reducing petroleum-related pollution. Further studies are required to evaluate removal efficiency at higher pollutant concentrations and under field conditions.