Beneficial re-use of industrial CO2 emissions using microalgae: Demonstration assessment and biomass characterization

Daniel Mohler, Michael H. Wilson, Stephanie Kesner, Jenna Y. Schambach, Darin Vaughan, Molly Frazar, Jennifer Stewart, Jack Groppo, Robert Pace, Mark Crocker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

A novel cyclic flow photobioreactor, designed for the capture and recycle of CO2 using microalgae, was deployed at a coal-fired power plant. Scenedesmus acutus was cultured continuously for a four-month period, during which a biomass productivity of 0.1–0.2 g L−1 day−1 was observed. Samples taken for DNA sequencing showed a strong correlation between the composition of the culture and environmental conditions. Dry and liquid biomass samples and the industrial fertilizers used for preparation of the nutrient medium were analyzed to determine the presence of heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Se) and results were compared with standardized and/or regulated maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for metals in several possible algae derived products. Concentrations of the metals in dry algae biomass were consistent with the incorporation of metals from the supplied nutrients.

Original languageEnglish
Article number122014
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume293
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2019

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors thank Landon Caudill for his help and acknowledge the considerable assistance of Doug Durst and Joe Clark ( Duke Energy ) with the activities at East Bend Station. The Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence, Duke Energy , and the United States Department of Energy (award no. DE-FE0026396 ) are thanked for financial support. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.

Funding Information:
The authors thank Landon Caudill for his help and acknowledge the considerable assistance of Doug Durst and Joe Clark (Duke Energy) with the activities at East Bend Station. The Kentucky Department of Energy Development and Independence, Duke Energy, and the United States Department of Energy (award no. DE-FE0026396) are thanked for financial support. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd

Keywords

  • Algae
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Heavy metals
  • Photobioreactor
  • Power plant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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