A novel coal additive from microalgae produced from thermal power plant flue gas

Abstract

Current techniques for cleaning flue gas produced by coal-fired thermal power plants have high capital and operational costs and are not effective enough. Ongoing research focuses on increasing efficiency of power plants by using coal additives and biological treatment methods especially microalgae for flue gas treatment. Here, we propose use of a resistant microalgae for flue gas treatment and using its biomass as a novel coal additive.Utilization of CO2 from thermal power plant coal samples by bio-stimulated Scenedesmus sp. was investigated for producing a novel coal additive material for use in thermal power plants. Scenedesmus sp. biomass was stimulated by IAA (3-Indoleacetic acid) and VO (Viburnum opulus) promoters. A novel coal additive material with 8.7% lower amounts of ash and 26.17% higher calorific value, termed as “green coal” was produced in this system. The maximum biomass was produced with lowest culture media consumption, minimum time, highest temperature and highest flow rate. The XRF analyses were performed, fatty acid methyl ester levels were determined and morphology of Scenedesmus sp. were observed. The growth of Scenedesmus sp. in open pond system by bubbling with 9.6 vvm of flue gas resulted in volumetric biomass productivity (Pmax) of 0.033 g/L/d and CO2 fixation rate of 1512.22 mg CO2/day. This system has the potential to replace other conventional coal additive and cleaning methods since it needs lower energy expenditure and lower use of chemicals.