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Comparative testing of energy yields from micro-algal biomass cultures processed via anaerobic digestion

Comparative testing of energy yields from micro-algal biomass cultures processed via anaerobic digestion
Comparative testing of energy yields from micro-algal biomass cultures processed via anaerobic digestion
Although digestion of micro-algal biomass was first suggested in the 1950s, there is still only limited information available for assessment of its potential. The research examined six laboratory-grown marine and freshwater micro-algae and two samples from large-scale cultivation systems. Biomass composition was characterised to allow prediction of potentially available energy using the Buswell equation, with calorific values as a benchmark for energy recovery. Biochemical methane potential tests were analysed using a pseudo-parallel first order model to estimate kinetic coefficients and proportions of readily-biodegradable carbon. Chemical composition was used to assess potential interferences from nitrogen and sulphur components. Volatile solids (VS) conversion to methane showed a broad range, from 0.161 to 0.435 L CH4 g?1 VS; while conversion of calorific value ranged from 26.4 to 79.2%. Methane productivity of laboratory-grown species was estimated from growth rate, measured by changes in optical density in batch culture, and biomass yield based on an assumed harvested solids content. Volumetric productivity was 0.04–0.08 L CH4 L?1 culture day?1, the highest from the marine species Thalassiosira pseudonana. Estimated methane productivity of the large-scale raceway was lower at 0.01 L CH4 L?1 day?1. The approach used offers a means of screening for methane productivity per unit of cultivation under standard conditions.
micro-algae, anaerobic digestion, biochemical methane potential, biodegradability kinetics, biomass yield, growth rate
0960-1481
744-753
Roberts, Keiron P.
da377993-082e-4693-8814-8983ab028258
Heaven, Sonia
f25f74b6-97bd-4a18-b33b-a63084718571
Banks, Charles J.
5c6c8c4b-5b25-4e37-9058-50fa8d2e926f
Roberts, Keiron P.
da377993-082e-4693-8814-8983ab028258
Heaven, Sonia
f25f74b6-97bd-4a18-b33b-a63084718571
Banks, Charles J.
5c6c8c4b-5b25-4e37-9058-50fa8d2e926f

Roberts, Keiron P., Heaven, Sonia and Banks, Charles J. (2016) Comparative testing of energy yields from micro-algal biomass cultures processed via anaerobic digestion. Renewable Energy, 87, part 1, 744-753. (doi:10.1016/j.renene.2015.11.009).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Although digestion of micro-algal biomass was first suggested in the 1950s, there is still only limited information available for assessment of its potential. The research examined six laboratory-grown marine and freshwater micro-algae and two samples from large-scale cultivation systems. Biomass composition was characterised to allow prediction of potentially available energy using the Buswell equation, with calorific values as a benchmark for energy recovery. Biochemical methane potential tests were analysed using a pseudo-parallel first order model to estimate kinetic coefficients and proportions of readily-biodegradable carbon. Chemical composition was used to assess potential interferences from nitrogen and sulphur components. Volatile solids (VS) conversion to methane showed a broad range, from 0.161 to 0.435 L CH4 g?1 VS; while conversion of calorific value ranged from 26.4 to 79.2%. Methane productivity of laboratory-grown species was estimated from growth rate, measured by changes in optical density in batch culture, and biomass yield based on an assumed harvested solids content. Volumetric productivity was 0.04–0.08 L CH4 L?1 culture day?1, the highest from the marine species Thalassiosira pseudonana. Estimated methane productivity of the large-scale raceway was lower at 0.01 L CH4 L?1 day?1. The approach used offers a means of screening for methane productivity per unit of cultivation under standard conditions.

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Accepted/In Press date: 2 November 2015
e-pub ahead of print date: 14 November 2015
Published date: March 2016
Keywords: micro-algae, anaerobic digestion, biochemical methane potential, biodegradability kinetics, biomass yield, growth rate
Organisations: Water & Environmental Engineering Group

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 384738
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/384738
ISSN: 0960-1481
PURE UUID: df4eb5aa-a821-4b34-a0ea-d8ffd26b2d2f
ORCID for Sonia Heaven: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-7798-4683
ORCID for Charles J. Banks: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-6795-814X

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Date deposited: 08 Jan 2016 15:27
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 02:52

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Contributors

Author: Keiron P. Roberts
Author: Sonia Heaven ORCID iD

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