An optimized approach towards bio-capture and carbon dioxide sequestration with microalgae Phormidium valderianum...

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Carbon capture technologies

Background:

• Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions necessitate novel mitigation strategies.
• Microorganisms, particularly microalgae, offer a sustainable approach to CO2 capture.
• Investigating specific strains for enhanced CO2 sequestration is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the CO2 capture capability and tolerance of the microalgal strain Phormidium valderianum.
• To determine optimal conditions for biomass productivity and CO2 fixation.
• To assess the impact of elevated CO2 levels on microalgal biochemical composition.

Main Methods:

• Cultivation of Phormidium valderianum under varying CO2 concentrations (5-30%).
• Biomass productivity and CO2 fixation rates measurement.
• Biochemical analysis for carbohydrate and protein content.
• Optimization using response surface methodology (RSM) for pH, CO2, and Ca(OH)2 concentration.

Main Results:

• Phormidium valderianum demonstrated significant CO2 capture, with a rate of 0.035 gL-1day-1 at 25% CO2.
• Elevated CO2 levels increased carbohydrate concentration and doubled protein content.
• Optimal growth conditions identified as pH 10, 25% CO2, and 200 mg/L Ca(OH)2.
• RSM achieved a higher CO2 fixation rate of 0.315 gL-1day-1 under optimal conditions.

Conclusions:

• Phormidium valderianum is a promising microalgal strain for effective CO2 capture.
• The study highlights the potential of microalgae in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
• Optimized conditions significantly enhance the efficiency of microalgal CO2 sequestration.