Michele Melis

Dr. Michele Melis


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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17 September 2024 in Water
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EBElisa Benà
Elisa Benà
PGPierluigi Giacò
Pierluigi Giacò
SDSara Demaria
Sara Demaria
RMRoberta Marchesini
Roberta Marchesini
MMMichele Melis
Michele Melis
SPSimonetta Pancaldi
Simonetta Pancaldi
The global population increase during the last century has significantly amplified freshwater demand, leading to higher wastewater (WW) production. European regulations necessitate treating WW before environmental. Microalgae have gained attention for wastewater treatment (WWT) due to their efficiency in remediating nutrients and pollutants, alongside producing valuable biomass. This study investigates the phycoremediation potential of a Chlorella-like strain isolated from urban WW in a 600L-scale system under winter conditions. Experiments in December 2021 and February 2022 tested the strain’s adaptability to varying environmental conditions, particularly temperatures (min-max temperature range: from −3.69 to 10.61 °C in December and −3.96 to 17.61 °C in February), and its ability to meet legal discharge limits. In December, low temperatures algal growth. Nitrates showed an RE of about 92%, while ammonia slightly decreased (RE, about 32%), and phosphorous remained unchanged. In February, mild temperatures increased algal density (33.3 × 106 cell mL−1) and, at the end of experiment, all nutrients were below legal limits with very high RE % (NH4+, 91.43; PO43− 97.32). Both trials showed an E. coli RE, % = 99%. The study highlights the potential of microalgae for WWT and the importance of considering seasonal variations when implementing these systems.