Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Harvesting of microalgae using flocculation combined with dissolved air flotation

  • Research Paper
  • Published:
Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study explored efficient methods of harvesting the Tetraselmis sp. KCTC12236BP using flocculation and dissolved air flotation. Concentration ranges of flocculation agents were optimized using jar tests (batch flocculation experiments) using inorganic (aluminum sulfate, ferric sulfate) and organic (chitosan) flocculants in a pH range of 4 ∼ 10. The optimal dosage and pH level were 1.2 g/L and pH 5 ∼ 6 for aluminum sulfate, 0.7 g/L and pH 4 ∼ 8 for ferric sulfate, and 5.0 mg/mL and pH 7 ∼ 8 for chitosan. The highest harvesting efficiency achieved with each of the four compounds was 85.6, 92.6, 93, and 91.3%, respectively.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Bastianoni, S., F. Coppola, E. Tiezzi, A. Colacevich, F. Borghini, and S. Focardi (2008) Biodiesel potential production from the orbetello lagoon macroalgae: A comparision with sunflower feedstock. Biomass Bioenergy 10: 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Mercer, P. and R. E. Armenta (2011) Developments in oil extraction from microalgae. Eur. J. Lipid Sci. Technol. 113: 539–547.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Tran, H. L., Y. J. Ryu, D. H. Seong, S. M. Lim, and C. G. Lee (2013) An effective acid catalyst for Biodiesel production from impure raw feedstocks. Biotechnol. Bioproc. Eng. 18: 242–247.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Kaewkannetra, P., P. Enmak, and T. Y. Chiu (2012) The effect of CO2 and salinity on the cultivation of Scenedesmus obliquus for Biodiesel production. Biotechnol. Bioproc. Eng. 17: 591–597.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Harun, R., M. Singh, G. M. Forde, and M. K. Danquah (2010) Bioprocess engineering of microalgae to produce a variety of consumer products. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 14: 1037–1047.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Chisti, Y. (2007) Biodiesel from microalgae. Biotechnol. Adv. 25: 294–306.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Brennan, L. and P. Owende (2010) Biofuels from microalgae: A review of technologies for production, processing, and extractions of biofuels and co-products. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 14: 557–577.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Gudin, C. and C. Thepenier (1986) Bioconversion of solar energy into organic chemicals by microalgae. Adv. Biotechnol. Proc. 6: 73–110.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Kim, S. G., A. Choi, C. Y. Ahn, C. S. Park, Y. H. Park, and H. M. Oh (2005) Harvesting of spirulina platensis by cellular floatation and growth stage determination. Lett. Appl. Microbiol. 40: 190–194.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Uduman, N., Y. Qi, M. K. Danquah, G. M. Forde, and A. Hoadley (2010) Dewatering of microalgal cultures: A major bottleneck to algae-based fuels. J. Renew. Sust. Energy 2: 012701.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Gualteri, P., L. Barsanti, and V. Passarelli (1988) Harvesting Euglena gracilis cells with a nontoxic flocculant. J. Microbiol. Meth. 8: 327–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. D’Souza, F. M. L., R. M. Knuckey, S. Hohmann, and R. C. Pendrey (2002) Flocculated microalgae concentrates as diets for larvae of the tiger prawn Penaeus monodon Fabricius. Aquacult. Nutr. 8: 113–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Knuckey, R. M., M. R. Brown, R. Robert, and D. M. F. Frampton (2006) Production of microalgal concentrates by flocculation and their assessment as aquaculture feeds. Aquacult. Eng. 35: 300–313.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Lee, A. K., D. M. Lewis, and P. J. Ashman (2009) Microbial flocculation a potentially low-cost harvesting technique for marine microalgae for the production of biodiesel. J. Appl. Phycol. 21: 559–567.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Şirin, S., R. Trobajo, C. Ibanez, and J. Salvadó (2012) Harvesting the microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum with polyaluminum chloride, aluminum sulphate, chitosan and alkalinity-induced flocculation. J. Appl. Phycol. 24: 1067–1080.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Kwon, D. Y, C. K. Jung, K. B. Park, C. G. Lee, and J. W. Lee (2011) Flocculation characteristics of microalgae using chemical flocculants. Kor. J. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 26: 143–150.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Lavoie, A. and J. de la Note (1983) Harvesting microalgae with chitosan. J. World Maricult. Soc. 14: 685–694.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Ahmad, A. L., N. H. Mat Yasin, C. J. C. Derke, and J. K. Lim (2011) optimization of microalgae coagulation process using chitosan. Chem. Eng. J. 173: 879–882.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Divakaran, R. and V. N. Sivasankaara Pillai (2002) Flocculation of algae using chitosan. J. Appl. Phycol. 14: 419–422.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Shelef, G., A. Sukenik, and M. Green (1984) Microalgae harvesting and processing: A literature review. Report, Solar Energy Research institute, Golden Colorado.

    Book  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, Seoul, 121-742, Korea

    Hyuckjin Kwon, Mingshou Lu & Jinwon Lee

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 446-701, Korea

    Eun Yeol Lee

Authors
  1. Hyuckjin Kwon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mingshou Lu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Eun Yeol Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jinwon Lee
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Eun Yeol Lee or Jinwon Lee.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kwon, H., Lu, M., Lee, E.Y. et al. Harvesting of microalgae using flocculation combined with dissolved air flotation. Biotechnol Bioproc E 19, 143–149 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12257-013-0433-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12257-013-0433-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation