Microalgae associated with a landfill of the Cerro de la Estrella Wastewater Treatment Plant, on a channel in Xochimilco, Mexico City

Abstract

Background. The Cerro de la Estrella Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR) discharges treated water at different sites in Mexico City through pipes or spillways, where some microalgae develop differentially depending on environmental conditions. Objective. To know the composition and distribution of the phycoflora associated with a landfill from the Cerro de la Estrella WWTP, on a channel in the chinampera area of Xochimilco, Mexico City and its relationship with some physical and chemical variables. Methods. Six sampling points were established in an area close to a wastewater dump, the algae samples were collected with a trawl net and a van Dorn bottle. Physical and chemical parameters of the water (temperature, pH, conductivity, nitrites, nitrates, and orthophosphates) were analyzed. Phycological material was reviewed under an optical microscope. A linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between richness and abundance of species versus the physical and chemical parameters measured. Results. A total of 88 species belonging to seven Phylum were identified, with Bacillariophyta being the most diverse with 35 species, followed by Chlorophyta with 26; the Euglenozoa, Cyanobacteria and Miozoa had 16, 6 and 3 species respectively; while the Phylum Cryptista and Ochrophyta only presented one species. The most frequent taxa were Chlorella sp., Desmodesmus protuberans, Stephanocyclus meneghinianus and Gomphonema sp., found in the six sampled points; On the other hand, the most abundant were Aulacoseira granulata var. angustissima with 1120 cells/mL, S. meneghinianus and Aulacoseira granulata with 960 and 625 cells/mL respectively; likewise, Microcystis aeruginosa with 490 cells/mL. Conclusions. 25 new records were observed for the study area. Species of the Phylum Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta dominated. M. aeruginosa, a species that causes harmful algal blooms, was recorded, but in small quantities. Differential distribution of the species was observed, despite the physical and chemical stability throughout the sampled points.