Microalgae In Photobioreactors Research Articles

Research progress in removal of trace carbon dioxide from closed spaces

In this paper, the removal of trace carbon dioxide from closed spaces through membrane process and biotransformation are introduced in detail. These methods include the microalgae photobioreactor, membrane microalgae photobioreactor, supported liquid membrane, membrane gas-liquid contactor, hydrogel membrane, and enzyme membrane bioreactor. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are compared. It is found that higher CO2 removal efficiency can be obtained in biotransformation and membrane process. However, a large volume and high energy consumption are needed in biotransformation, while the low permeability and stability must be solved in the membrane process.

Algal biotechnology: real opportunities for Africa

The controlled and intense production of microalgae in photobioreactors has great potential for Africa. Of particular potential are; wastewater treatment, production of food and feed, production of bio-compounds, nutraceuticals and fine chemicals, and bioremediation. Microalgae have several competitive advantages over conventional crop production using agriculture and their biotechnology offers real economic potential. For the immediate future, products for the health food market and applications in bioremediation offer real opportunities for exploitation, environmental and economic benefits.

Recovery of microalgal biomass and metabolites: process options and economics

Commercial production of intracellular microalgal metabolites requires the following: (1) large-scale monoseptic production of the appropriate microalgal biomass; (2) recovery of the biomass from a relatively dilute broth; (3) extraction of the metabolite from the biomass; and (4) purification of the crude extract. This review examines the options available for recovery of the biomass and the intracellular metabolites from the biomass. Economics of monoseptic production of microalgae in photobioreactors and the downstream recovery of metabolites are discussed using eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) recovery as a representative case study.

Reducing atmospheric CO 2 using biomass energy and photobiology

Biological systems are among the most promising, environmentally sustainable alternatives for reducing atmospheric CO 2 levels. Biomass can act as a reservoir of carbon, or as a direct substitute for fossil fuels with no net contribution to atmospheric CO 2 if produced and used sustainably. We examine the role of biomass in mitigating global warming and contributing to the development of future energy strategies. We conclude that the use of biomass for fossil fuel substitution would be far more effective in reducing atmospheric CO 2 than to simply sequester CO 2 in forests in most circumstances. Furthermore, since bioenergy could be less costly than coal and petroleum, this strategy has an economic advantage over many of the carbon mitigation options. Photobiology and photochemistry are possible future routes for CO 2 reduction. The use of microalgae in photobioreactors is feasible for CO 2 removal as has been demonstrated in a number of laboratories. Energy balances with such systems need to be optimised since parameters such as light (actual and artificial) and waste heat play crucial roles.