<scp> <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i> </scp> for Domestic Wastewater Treatment: Bibliometric Trends and Experimental Evaluation in Synthetic Effluent

ABSTRACT Population growth has intensified domestic effluent generation, created environmental risks when inadequately treated. The microalga Chlorella vulgaris shows strong potential for wastewater remediation. This study combined bibliometric analysis and experimental validation to assess its application in synthetic domestic effluent treatment. Two strains, SL2C (mangrove origin) and BMAK D1 (freshwater origin), were cultivated in synthetic effluent at concentrations of 25%–100% (diluted in WC medium) for 14 days. Optimal growth occurred at 50% for SL2C, which achieved the highest specific growth rate (0.353 ± 0.003 d −1 ), and for BMAK D1, optimal growth occurred at 75% (0.262 ± 0.005 d −1 ). Effluent remediation was evaluated by monitoring ammoniacal nitrogen, phosphate, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Nitrogen removal exceeded 80% across treatments, phosphate removal averaged ≈65%, and SL2C demonstrated greater COD reduction (66.9%) than BMAK D1 (54.9%). These results demonstrate the biotechnological value of C. vulgaris for wastewater treatment and its relevance to circular bioeconomy strategies, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).