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A novel sequence batch membrane carbonation photobioreactor developed for microalgae cultivation

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Abstract

In this study, a novel sequence batch membrane carbonation photobioreactor was developed for microalgae cultivation. Herein, membrane module was endowed functions as microalgae retention and CO2 carbonation. The results in the batch experiments expressed that the relatively optimal pore size of membranes was 30 nm, photosynthetically active radiation was 36 W/m and the CO2 concentration was 10% (v/v). In long-term cultivation, the microalgal concentration separately accumulated up to 1179.0 mg/L and 1296.4 mg/L in two periods. The concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids were increased about 23.2, 14.9 and 6.3 mg/L respectively in period I; meanwhile, the accumulation was about 25.0, 14.5, 6.6 mg/L respectively in the period II. Furthermore, the pH was kept about 5.5–7.5 due to intermittent carbonation mode, which was suitable for the growth of microalgae. Transmembrane pressure (TMP) was only increased by 0.19 and 0.16 bar in the end of periods I and II, respectively. The pure flux recovered to 75%–80% of the original value by only hydraulic cleaning. Scanning electron microscope images also illustrated that carbonation through membrane module could mitigate fouling levels greatly.

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Acknowledgements

This work was financial supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51878111), the LiaoNing Revitalization Talents Program (No. XLYC1807067), and the Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities (No. B13012).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China

    Caiyun Hou, Sen Qiao, Yue Yang & Jiti Zhou

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  1. Caiyun Hou
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  2. Sen Qiao
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  3. Yue Yang
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  4. Jiti Zhou
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Correspondence to Sen Qiao.

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Highlights

• A novel SBM-C-PBR was constructed for microalgae cultivation.

• Membrane fouling was greatly mitigated by membrane carbonation.

• NH4 and P removal rates were around 80% in SBM-C-PBR.

• Biomass was completely retained by membrane.

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Hou, C., Qiao, S., Yang, Y. et al. A novel sequence batch membrane carbonation photobioreactor developed for microalgae cultivation. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng. 13, 92 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-019-1176-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-019-1176-6

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