Processes that utilize algae for coupling water remediation with biomass production have significant potential for near-term market penetration by providing multi-product, bio-advantaged feedstocks as well as water clean-up credits. A key to technoeconomic success for such systems is achieving high biomass productivity coincedent with efficient removal of target analytes such as fertilizer, heavy metals, pesticides, and reducing total biological oxygen demand. In this presentation we will discuss results from attached, benthic algae (algae turf) and suspended microalgae (algae raceway) cultivation using variable source waters. Recent deployments of each system type provide long-term data sets for comparison of the feasibility and scale-up potential in different environments. In addition to the impacts of climate and source waters on biomass productivity and nutrient removal efficiency, we have investigated various options for conversion of the resulting biomass streams to renewable commodities, including hydrothermal liquifaction, anaerobic digestion, and fermentation, each with associated nutrient recovery strategies. In addition to achieving high biomass productivity, target analyte removal, and efficient conversion strategies, major challenges that must be met for adequate technoeconomic and lifecycle feasibility include appropriate siting and minimizing system capital and operational expenses.

Comparative assessment of suspended and benthic microalgae cultivation stragetgies for water treatment and production of biobased commodities

255th National Meeting (2018)

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