Production of Sorbents from Residual Biomass of Chlorella Sorokiniana Microalgae and Lemna Minor Duckweed

Abstract

The paper considers technologies for obtaining sorption materials from agricultural processing waste. It is shown that after the separation of valuable components from microalgae and duckweed a large amount of residual biomass is formed, which is a waste. This waste contains cellulose (23.5%), starch, hemicellulose, chitin-and pectin-like substances that cause the sorption properties of biomass. A microstructural analysis of the residual biomass showed a loose surface composed of the tissues of destroyed cells, which proves the high sorption capacity of the residual biomass. The possibility of using residual biomass for wastewater treatment to remove heavy metal ions has been studied and it has been shown that the maximum efficiency of treatment is achieved by residual biomass after heat treatment at 400°C. A unit for obtaining adsorption materials from residual biomass has been developed and created. Economic calculations of the developed installation were made, the payback period is 6 months, and the profit from using this setup is estimated to be $7899 per year.