Purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) can be enriched as concentrated biofilm on submerged, infrared illuminated surfaces, to mediate organics and nutrient removal and recovery as protein-rich biomass. Laboratory and field reactors were designed using either artificial or natural illuminate. The reactors were used to assess biomass production and consistency during separate treatment of piggery effluent, poultry effluent and red meat processing wastewater. In all cases, PPB growth was successful; however, COD conversion and biomass yields were variable. Growth consistency and product quality ultimately determines the applicability of PPB biomass as microbial protein and its value for the manufacturer. This is crucially important for the advancement of PPB mediated technology as photobioreactors are both, capital and operationally expensive and the costs need to be balanced with a high-quality, consistent product to generate a revenue stream