Algal biomass after bioremediation — an economical source for biosynthesis of iron nanoparticles

In recent years, synthesis of nanoparticles using biological sources including microalgae gaining importance as it overcomes the drawbacks of instability, high cost, use of toxic chemicals and generation of hazardous by-products. Though these nanoparticles are highly reactive, economically viable and environmentally safe, cultivation of microalgae involves the use of chemical fertilizers as nutrient source, high cost, supplementary energy and additional fresh water. Hence, in this study, an attempt was made to use brewery waste water (BWW) as a nutrient source for algae production. By this technology, biomass production along with remediation of waste water can be achieved (Rawat et al., 2011). To demonstrate this, we cultivated microalgae, Chlorella sp. using BWW and produced the iron nanoparticles using the algal biomass produced. (author)