Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Coupling Carbon Capture from a Power Plant with Semi-automated Open Raceway Ponds for Microalgae Cultivation
Published on: August 14, 2020
Recovery of microalgal biomass and metabolites: process options and economics
E Molina Grima1, E-H Belarbi, F G Acién Fernández
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almería, E-04071 Almería, Spain.
Abstract:
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.
Related Concept Videos
Biofuels
Green Algae
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Production of Alcohol
Bioremediation
Production of Organic Acids

