Implementation of Nature-Based Biofilm Carriers for Sustainable Bioremediation: A Novel MBBR Approach to Treat Fishery Effluents in the Greater Casablanca Region

Asmaa Fathi; Yasmine Khalki; Bouchaib Bahlaouan; Karima El Bouqdaoui; Ikrame Charef; FatimaZahra Boutaleb; Mohamed Bennani; Said El Antri; Nadia Boutaleb

doi:10.63095/NBSEH.25.195556

Authors

Asmaa Fathi Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
Yasmine Khalki Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
Bouchaib Bahlaouan Higher Institutes of the Nursing Professions and Techniques of Health (ISPITS) (https://ror.org/007h8y788), Laboratory of Care, Health and Sustainable Development 2S2D, Casablanca 22500, Morocco
Karima El Bouqdaoui Institut Pasteur Casablanca Morocco, Laboratory of Physico-Chemical Analysis of Water, Food and Environment, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
Ikrame Charef Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
FatimaZahra Boutaleb Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
Mohamed Bennani Institut Pasteur Casablanca Morocco, Laboratory of Physico-Chemical Analysis of Water, Food and Environment, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
Said El Antri Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco
Nadia Boutaleb Hassan II University of Casablanca (https://ror.org/001q4kn48), Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agri-Food, Materials and Environment, Team: Biotechnologies, Resource Valorisation, Quality, Health and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology Mohammedia, BP 146, Mohammedia 20650, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.25.195556

Keywords:

Fishery effluents, Natural biofilm carriers, MBBR

Abstract

Fish processing industries produce large volumes of organic-rich effluents, especially in coastal cities such as Casablanca. This study examines the performance of a nature-based Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) using Penicillium chrysogenum and Umbrina roncador fish scales as natural biofilm carriers. The reactor included two compartments: one for biological treatment and one for settling. Real fishery wastewater (20 L/day) was treated for 72 hours under controlled conditions. The system achieved notable removal rates: 82.5% for BOD₅, 72.9% for COD, 65.4% for suspended solids, and 36.1% for total phosphorus. Kaldnes K3 carriers were tested in parallel. These showed greater nitrogen and phosphorus removal. Natural carriers performed better for BOD₅ and suspended solids. The findings confirm the feasibility of using fish scales as low-cost, sustainable supports in biological treatment. This approach supports circular economy principles and contributes to SDGs 6 and 12.

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