Journal article
Using ammonia for algae harvesting and as nutrient in subsequent cultures
Bioresource technology, Vol.121, pp.298-303
10/2012
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/109631
PMID: 22858499
Abstract
► We present a novel flocculation process using ammonia as coagulant. ► The novel process is effective for the tested different algae strains. ► Ammonia is converted into ammonium using greenhouse gas during the novel process. ► The ammonia added will be reused as fertilizer in the subsequent cultures. ► Ammonia does not change the metabolic components without metal ions inputting.
Microalgae have been considered as a promising feedstock for biofuels and greenhouse gas reduction. A low-cost harvesting technology without secondary contamination for down-stream extraction is a key requirement to make algal biofuel commercially viable. A novel harvesting method using ammonia as a flocculant to make the algal biomass settable was devised and studied. Another major advantage of this approach is that the ammonia added will be reused as fertilizer in the subsequent cultures. The results indicated that ammonia-induced flocculation led to more than 99% removal of algae at 12h. The OD600 of algae growing in the ammonia-enriched flocculation medium treated with heating and CO2 was 2 times than that of initial after 6days. These results suggested that this flocculation method was efficient, convenient and allowed the reuse of the flocculated medium, therefore providing an option for economic harvesting and cultivation of microalgae.
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Details
- Title
- Using ammonia for algae harvesting and as nutrient in subsequent cultures
- Creators
- Fangjian ChenZhiyong LiuDemao LiChenfeng LiuPing ZhengShulin Chen
- Publication Details
- Bioresource technology, Vol.121, pp.298-303
- Academic Unit
- Biological Systems Engineering, Department of; Horticulture, Department of
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 99900547399401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article