Abstract
Discharge of process water into tailings ponds is associated with many mining operations, including that of bitumen. These tailings ponds can be used to grow organisms, such as algae, which, in turn, fix CO2 and degrade unwanted dissolved components. After processing, algae can be used for the production of fuels (for example, biodiesel or methane). In this work, we explored the potential for growth of a unicellular algae, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, in tailings water from an oil sands mining and upgrading operation. Once we determined that it was possible to grow algae in the tailings water, we designed and optimized minimal growth media for biomass (algae) production and did a preliminary engineering estimate of the potential for CO2 fixation. The medium components required for growth of C. pyrenoidosa in 95% oil sands tailings water (OSTW) were screened using a two-level full factorial experiment. Sodium nitrate, phosphate, and Fe-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were the most important medium compone...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
