The role of Spirogyra grevilleana in purifying the well of Fatima Al-Zahra neighborhood in Al-Bayda city

Abstract

Water pollution refers to any changes in water's physical, chemical, or biological properties that affect its suitability for various uses. Surface water pollution, including rivers, lakes, and springs, occurs when untreated effluents are discharged into them. However, water pollution is not limited to surface water alone; groundwater and well pollution is also a prevalent issue, primarily due to the increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural areas and the discharge of sewage and industrial waste into unregulated areas. Following the discovery of E. coli contamination in a well in Al Bayda, Libya, after Hurricane Daniel in January 2024, an experiment was conducted to purify the polluted water using algae. Specifically, the algae Spirogyra grevilleana collected from a stagnant pond in the Al Faydiya area was washed, dried, and examined under a microscope. The algae were used as a purifying agent for the polluted water. Subsequent tests showed complete elimination of coliform bacteria, as well as significant reductions in total dissolved solids, pH, calcium, magnesium, iron, lead, nitrate, phosphate, and biological oxygen demand values. Hence, we would like to report the significant activity of algae as a natural resource and green chemistry in purifying polluted water