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On-Site Pilot-Scale Microalgae Cultivation Using Industrial Wastewater for Bioenergy Production: A Case Study towards
Juliana Abraham1, Tobi Abimbola2, Washington J Braida1
1Center for Environmental Systems, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2023
Summary
Industrial wastewater can be transformed into bioenergy using algae cultivation. This study demonstrates successful algal growth in munition facility wastewater, yielding significant biomass and energy potential.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Industrial Ecology
Background:
- Industrial wastewater presents a challenge for disposal and environmental management.
- Valorization of waste streams for bioenergy offers a sustainable solution.
- Algal cultivation is a promising technology for wastewater treatment and biofuel production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of valorizing industrial wastewater for bioenergy generation.
- To investigate large-scale outdoor algal growth in munition facility wastewater.
- To evaluate the energy potential of the produced algal biomass.
Main Methods:
- Pilot-scale outdoor raceway ponds were used for algal cultivation.
- Continuous monitoring of operational parameters (temperature, pH, light, dissolved oxygen).
- Characterization of algal consortium, biomass productivity, oil content, and biochemical methane potential (BMP).
Main Results:
- A resilient consortium of microalgae and cyanobacteria was established.
- Achieved a maximum areal biomass productivity of 23.9 g/m²d during summer.
- Observed 22 wt.% oil content under low nitrogen conditions and a BMP of 350 scc/gVS.
Conclusions:
- Algal cultivation in industrial wastewater is a viable strategy for bioenergy production.
- Process optimization and scale-up are feasible based on technoeconomic and life cycle assessments.
- Wastewater valorization contributes to sustainable industrial practices and resource recovery.
