Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Biofuels

Biofuels

The microbial conversion of organic matter into biofuels holds potential as a renewable energy source. Among biofuel sources, microalgae are recognized as a highly efficient and adaptable feedstock for biodiesel production, owing to their rapid biomass accumulation, elevated lipid productivity, and capacity to proliferate in diverse aquatic systems, including freshwater, marine, and wastewater habitats. Unlike terrestrial crops, microalgae do not compete for land and can achieve significantly...

Bioreactor Controls-II

Bioreactor Controls-II

In aerobic fermentations, oxygen is vital for microbial growth and metabolite production. Since air comprises only about 20% oxygen and the gas is poorly soluble in water—just 9 ppm at 20°C—supplying sufficient oxygen becomes a critical challenge, especially in high-demand processes like yeast growth or citric acid production. Even a fully saturated broth may offer only a few seconds of oxygen availability.To address this, sterile or scrubbed air is introduced into the fermentor via a sparger...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Clarification of algae-laden water using electrochemical processes.

Water science & technology, water supply·2021

Same author

Reduction of hydrogen sulfide gas in a small wastewater collection system using sodium hydroxide.

Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation·2019

Same author

Production of biodiesel and biogas from algae: a review of process train options.

Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation·2011

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Biogas Purification through the use of a Microalgae-Bacterial System in Semi-Industrial High Rate Algal Ponds

Biogas Purification through the use of a Microalgae-Bacterial System in Semi-Industrial High Rate Algal Ponds

Published on: March 22, 2024

Improved algal harvesting using suspended air flotation.

Patrick E Wiley¹, Kristine J Brenneman, Arne E Jacobson

¹Willits Wastewater Treatment Facility, 111 East Commercial Street, Willits, CA 95490, USA. pwiley@willitscity.com

Water Environment Research : a Research Publication of the Water Environment Federation

|August 21, 2009

Summary

This study found suspended air flotation (SAF) is a more efficient method for harvesting algae from wastewater than dissolved air flotation (DAF). SAF requires less energy and reduces solids content in effluent, lowering costs for wastewater treatment and algal product manufacturing.

More Related Videos

Coupling Carbon Capture from a Power Plant with Semi-automated Open Raceway Ponds for Microalgae Cultivation

Coupling Carbon Capture from a Power Plant with Semi-automated Open Raceway Ponds for Microalgae Cultivation

Published on: August 14, 2020

Quantification of Heavy Metals and Other Inorganic Contaminants on the Productivity of Microalgae

Quantification of Heavy Metals and Other Inorganic Contaminants on the Productivity of Microalgae

Published on: July 10, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Biogas Purification through the use of a Microalgae-Bacterial System in Semi-Industrial High Rate Algal Ponds

Biogas Purification through the use of a Microalgae-Bacterial System in Semi-Industrial High Rate Algal Ponds

Published on: March 22, 2024

Coupling Carbon Capture from a Power Plant with Semi-automated Open Raceway Ponds for Microalgae Cultivation

Coupling Carbon Capture from a Power Plant with Semi-automated Open Raceway Ponds for Microalgae Cultivation

Published on: August 14, 2020

Quantification of Heavy Metals and Other Inorganic Contaminants on the Productivity of Microalgae

Quantification of Heavy Metals and Other Inorganic Contaminants on the Productivity of Microalgae

Published on: July 10, 2015

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Biotechnology
Chemical Engineering

Background:

Algal harvesting from liquid media is energy-intensive and costly.
Algae, primarily Chlorella and Scenedesmus, constitute a significant portion (approx. 80%) of solids in wastewater oxidation ponds.
Efficient algal harvesting is crucial for wastewater treatment and the cost-effective production of algal-based products.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize algae in wastewater oxidation ponds.
To identify a more efficient algal harvesting technique compared to existing methods.
To evaluate suspended air flotation (SAF) as a potential solution.

Main Methods:

Analysis of oxidation pond wastewater composition.
Characterization of algal species (Chlorella and Scenedesmus).
Comparative performance evaluation of suspended air flotation (SAF) and dissolved air flotation (DAF) based on air:solids ratio, energy requirements, and loading rates.

Main Results:

Algae comprised approximately 80% of the solids in the studied wastewater.
Suspended air flotation (SAF) demonstrated a lower air:solids (A/S) ratio compared to dissolved air flotation (DAF).
SAF exhibited lower energy requirements and higher loading rates than DAF (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Suspended air flotation (SAF) offers a more efficient and cost-effective method for harvesting algae from wastewater.
Implementing SAF can reduce solids content in wastewater effluent, benefiting treatment plants.
SAF can potentially lower manufacturing costs for algal-based products like fuel, fertilizer, and fish food.