Abstract
The potential of microalgae for both carbon fixation and energy sustainability has been demonstrated. However, the low CO2 biofixation rate and high cost of lipid extraction restrict its large-scale development. This paper proposes a novel integrated technology for enhanced CO2 biofixation and efficient lipid extraction in microalgal system by adding water-immiscible solvent N-heptane over the culture medium. N-heptane can act as a ‘carbon sink’ and ‘extract agent’ without causing significant damage to microalgal cells. Specifically, N-heptane with the volume percentages of 4, 8, 12, 25 and 42 % was added to Chlorella sp. culture systems. Simulated flue gas containing 15 vol% CO2 in nitrogen gas was used as the sole carbon source. The maximum biomass concentration (0.84 g·L-1) and specific growth rate (0.23 d-1) were achieved with 12 % N-heptane. These values were higher than blank culture by 12.3 % (biomass concentration) and 56.9 % (specific growth rate). The CO2 biofixation rate increased with N-heptane to a maximum value of 220.2 mg·L-1·d-1, which was 64.7 % higher than that of the blank culture. Meanwhile, the system has a potential for the generation of biofuels with a maximum lipid amount of 2.82 g·gAlgae-1 in this single step approach.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
