Dissertations / Theses: 'Microalgae biofuels'

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Canter, Christina Elizabeth. "The Sustainability of Biofuels Produced from Microalgae." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/293419.

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Fossil fuels are not sustainable due to their worldwide depletion and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Transportation biofuels produced from microalgae are sustainable if GHG emissions are lower than fossil fuels and the sources for materials used during production are sustainable. Four areas were evaluated to address these concerns. First, a study of peer reviewed life-cycle analyses (LCAs) was performed. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine which processing choices during cultivation have the most impacts. Data from nine authors was converted to similar units, and a new LCA was performed to evaluate the impacts. Overall GHG emissions per kg of algae cultivation ranged from 0.1 - 4.4 kg CO₂ eq. / kg algae, with the most of the emissions coming from fertilizer contributions. The second topic evaluated was the GHG emissions from experimental dewatering technologies. The five experimental technology emissions, for acoustic harvesting, membrane filtration, flocculation, electrocoagulation and flocculation plus belt filtration, were compared to a modeled dissolved air flotation technology and a fossil fuel source. For a functional unit of one MJ of renewable diesel (RD), membrane filtration had the lowest GHG emissions at 40.8 g CO₂(eq)/MJ RD. Dissolved air flotation was the highest scenario at 51.9 g CO₂(eq)/MJ RD. All technologies were lower than gasoline at 90.7 g CO₂(eq)/MJ gasoline. The third topic evaluated was the GHG emissions from the materials used for plant construction. A LCA was performed for the infrastructure materials and compared to results from the fuel-cycle. Plastic from pond liners had the largest contribution to GHG emissions for the baseline case. Increasing productivity and lipid content both decreased infrastructure emissions. The final topic evaluated was the sustainability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium used for microalgae growth. Results show that the surplus of world fertilizers cannot sustain large scale algae production in the United States. Technology choices that can recycle nutrients lower the overall requirement. Alternative sources of nutrients, like concentrated animal feeding operations, can provide enough nutrients for large scale production of algae.

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Al, Emara Mohammed-Hassan Khairallah. "Microalgae cultivation and harvesting for the production of biofuels." Thesis, University of Surrey, 2017. http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/813963/.

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Increasing concern over climate change and the impact of greenhouse gas emissions as well as diminishing global oil reserves has pushed research into alternative energy. Reducing the cost of microalgae, a promising source for alternative energy, is a key step in commercialising biodiesel production. Currently avenues such as the use of waste stream cost effective cultivation system and efficient harvesting options are being explored for the common goal of establishing commercially viable microalgae production and utilisation schemes. From reviewing the current progress presented in literature this research has identified several aspects of importance to commercialising biofuel production. After identifying several gaps in the literature covering direct comparison of microalgal biomass production between temperate and hot region, a novel investigation utilising a refined computer model was undertaken to compare upstream cultivation of open systems in both temperate and hot climates. The outcome of which suggested the relative importance of light over temperature for the cultivation of microalgae in an open pond system. This was then explored further experimentally by setting the temperate light intensity, photoperiod and temperature conditions for three months representing summer and winter seasons. The results of this novel adaptation of seasonal highs and lows data of a temperate climate (UK) indicated that a more effective direction of intervention is the investment in additional light-supply in place of a heating-system, which is more than likely to yield higher algal biomass for biofuel production. Finally, an approach was made towards engaging more economical aspects of the process from upstream cultivation of waste stream based nutrients (leachate) with a native microalgae strain for the first time, to downstream dewatering of algal biomass with innovative improvements to energy efficient forward osmosis technology by uniquely assessing microalgae nutrient-based draw solution. The results both indicated the real potential of utilising these cost efficient methods at a lab scale. The ultimate goal of the project was to combine the research efforts for both cultivation (upstream) and harvesting (downstream) to assist in the understanding of the commercial viability of biofuel production from microalgae.

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Baroukh, Caroline. "Metabolic modelling under non-balanced growth : application to microalgae growth for biofuels production." Thesis, Montpellier 2, 2014. http://www.theses.fr/2014MON20190.

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La modélisation métabolique est un outil performant pour mieux comprendre, prédire et optimiser les bioprocédés, particulièrement lorsqu'ils impliquent des molécules d'intérêt. Malheureusement, l'utilisation de cette approche de modélisation pour des métabolismes dynamiques est difficile à cause du manque de données expérimentales nécessaires pour définir et calibrer les cinétiques des réactions appartenant aux chemins métaboliques. C'est pourquoi, les modèles métaboliques sont souvent utilisés sous l'hypothèse de croissance équilibrée. Cependant, pour certains procédés comme la croissance photoautotrophique des microalgues, l'hypothèse de croissance équilibrée ne semble pas raisonnable à cause de la synchronisation de leur cycle circadien sur la lumière du jour. Cependant, une compréhension approfondie du métabolisme des microalgues est nécessaire afin d'optimiser les rendements de production des bioprocédés basés sur ces microorganismes, comme par exemple la production de biocarburants.Dans cette thèse, DRUM, une nouvelle approche de modélisation métabolique dynamique qui prend en compte la croissance non-équilibrée, a été développée. La première étape de l'approche consiste à découper le réseau métabolique en sous-réseaux décrivant des réactions qui sont spatialement et fonctionnellement proches et supposés satisfaire une croissance équilibrée. Les métabolites interconnectant les sous-réseaux peuvent alors avoir un comportement dynamique. Puis, grâce à l'analyse de modes élémentaires, chaque sous-réseau est réduit à des réactions macroscopiques, pour lesquelles des cinétiques simples sont supposées. Enfin, un système d'équations ordinaires différentielles est obtenu pour décrire la consommation des substrats, la production de biomasse, les produits excrétés et l'accumulation de certains métabolites intracellulaires.DRUM a été appliquée à l'accumulation des lipides et des carbohydrates de la microalgue Tisochrysis lutea soumise à des cycles jour/nuits en condition d'azote normal et de carence azotée. Le model décrit avec précision les données expérimentales. DRUM a également été appliquée à la microalgue Chlorella Sorokiniana en croissance hétérotrophique, montrant que la croissance équilibrée est valide dans ce cas-là
Metabolic modeling is a powerful tool to understand, predict and optimize bioprocesses, particularly when they imply intracellular molecules of interest. Unfortunately, the use of metabolic models for time varying metabolic fluxes is hampered by the lack of experimental data required to define and calibrate the kinetic reaction rates of the metabolic pathways. For this reason, metabolic models are often used under the balanced growth hypothesis. However, for some processes such as the photoautotrophic metabolism of microalgae, the balanced-growth assumption appears to be unreasonable because of the synchronization of their circadian cycle on the daily light. Yet, understanding microalgae metabolism is necessary to optimize the production yield of bioprocesses based on this microorganism, as for example production of third-generation biofuels.In this PhD thesis, DRUM, a new dynamic metabolic modeling framework that handles the non-balanced growth condition and hence accumulation of intracellular metabolites was developed. The first stage of the approach consists in splitting the metabolic network into sub-networks describing reactions which are spatially and functionally close, and which are assumed to satisfy balanced growth condition. The left metabolites interconnecting the sub-networks behave dynamically. Then, thanks to Elementary Flux Mode analysis, each sub-network is reduced to macroscopic reactions, for which simple kinetics are assumed. Finally, an Ordinary Differential Equation system is obtained to describe substrate consumption, biomass production, products excretion and accumulation of some internal metabolites.DRUM was applied to the accumulation of lipids and carbohydrates of the microalgae Tisochrysis lutea under day/night cycles in normal and nitrogen starvation conditions. The resulting model describes accurately experimental data. It efficiently predicts the accumulation and consumption of lipids and carbohydrates. DRUM was also applied to the microalgae Chlorella Sorokiniana in dark heterotrophic growth, showing that the balanced-growth assumption was valid in this case

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Kaloudis, Dimitrios. "Improving microalgae for biofuel production." Thesis, University of Bath, 2015. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.665443.

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Microalgae are a diverse group of oxygenic photosynthetic microorganisms which show great promise as a source of biofuel. However, significant challenges still remain before microalgae can be considered a viable source of biofuel. The main current challenges are nutrient sourcing and recycling as well as downstream processing. The algal cell wall and especially the presence of an algaenan cell wall in some Chlorophyte algae could be an important variable in determining downstream processing costs but not much comparative research has been done to elucidate this. The first part of the present study focuses on the recently isolated alga Pseudochoricystis ellipsoidea (Trebouxiophyceae) and its improvement and assessment for biofuel production. Random mutagenesis and FACS screening protocols were developed for the isolation of pigment and cell wall mutants but despite considerable efforts no suitable mutants could be identified in the first half of this project. Two 500 L raceway ponds as well as an algal growth room and bubble column bioreactors were set up to facilitate algal research at the University of Bath and assess the performance of P. ellipsoidea in realistic culture conditions. P. ellipsoidea showed a maximum growth of 1.53 divisions day-1 in semi-open raceway ponds, resistance to contamination and a 30% lipid content, making it particularly suitable for raceway pond cultures. In the second part of this project six species of Chlorophyte (“green”) algae, three of which produced algaenan, were compared for suitability to growth in anaerobic digestate and municipal wastewater as well as cell wall strength, permeability and suitability to hydrothermal liquefaction. We found that anaerobic digestate was a good medium for the growth of all species independently of autoclaving and that non-autoclaved wastewater was a very challenging medium. Algaenan production did not affect cell disruption by ultrasonication but growth stage and cell wall thickness did. Lipid extraction kinetics by chloroform/methanol were greatly affected by algaenan, meaning that this material is relatively impermeable to organic solvents. Cell wall thickness, cell volume and lipid content also had an effect on lipid extraction kinetics but this was only measurable after 180 minutes of extraction. 8 Hydrothermal liquefaction showed high solid and low oil yields, very low sulphur (≤0.1 %) as well as a 1.1 % -1.8 % nitrogen content which is significantly lower than most algal HTL studies to date. This suggests that stationary stage algae are more difficult to process but give a cleaner biocrude and reduce the loss of nitrogen through incorporation in the oil. Significant opportunities for optimisation still exist in the HTL process.

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Moulin, Solène. "Synthesis of hydrocarbons in algae : from biodiversity to biotechnology." Thesis, Aix-Marseille, 2019. http://www.theses.fr/2019AIXM0429.

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Les hydrocarbures (HCs) sont prédominants dans notre économie actuelle (carburants, cosmétiques, chimie, etc.) mais sont quasi-exclusivement issus des ressources fossiles. Les problématiques de changement climatique et d’épuisement des ressources poussent les recherches vers l’étude et la domestication des voies de synthèse naturelles d’HCs. Lorsque j’ai commencé ma thèse, une enzyme de biosynthèse d’HC, l’acide gras photodécarboxylase (FAP) venait d’être découverte chez la microalgue Chlorella. J’ai d’abord caractérisé son homologue chez la microalgue modèle Chlamydomonas. Une étude phylogénétique de la famille des GMC oxidoréductases à laquelle appartient la FAP a permis d’identifier un large réservoir de de 200 FAPs putatives. La caractérisation biochimique de plusieurs d’entre elles a permis de montrer qu’une FAP fonctionnelle a été conservée lors des endosymbioses secondaires. Cela suggère que la FAP joue un rôle important chez les algues. Ce rôle a été étudié par une approche de génétique inverse chez Chlamydomonas. La caractérisation physiologique de mutants knockout a permis de démontrer le rôle de la FAP dans la synthèse d’HCs dans le chloroplaste et de mettre en évidence des modifications physiologiques transitoires. Des mécanismes de compensation à l’absence d’HCs restent donc à découvrir. Dans une dernière partie, j’ai développé une souche d’E. coli exprimant la FAP et une thioestérase. Cette souche produit en continu des HCs dans la phase gaz des cultures, ce qui permet une récolte facilitée du produit d’intérêt sous forme pure. Cette étude constitue une preuve de concept que la FAP pourrait être utilisée pour la production biosourcée d’HCs
Hydrocarbons (HCs) are predominant in our current economy (fuels, cosmetics, chemicals, etc.) but are almost exclusively derived from fossil resources. Climate change and resource depletion concerns are pushing research towards the study and domestication of natural HC synthesis pathways. When I started my thesis, a HC forming enzyme, the fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP) had just been discovered in the microalgae Chlorella. I first characterised its homolog in the model microalgae Chlamydomonas. A phylogenetic study of the GMC oxidoreductase family to which the FAP belongs has allowed identification of a large reservoir of 200 putative FAPs. Biochemical characterisation of several of them showed that a functional FAP was maintained during secondary endosymbiosis. This suggests that FAP plays an important role in algae. This role has been studied by a reverse genetic approach in Chlamydomonas. The physiological characterisation of knockout mutants demonstrated the role of FAP in the synthesis of HCs in chloroplasts as well as transient physiological changes. Mechanisms to compensate for the absence of HCs therefore remain to be discovered. In a last part, I developed a strain of E. coli expressing the FAP and a thioesterase. This strain continuously produces HCs in the gas phase of the cultures, which allows an easier harvesting of the product of interest in a pure form. This study is a proof of concept that FAP could be used for the biobased production of HCs

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Sorigue, Damien. "Biosynthèse d'hydrocarbures dérivés des acides gras chez les microalgues." Thesis, Aix-Marseille, 2016. http://www.theses.fr/2016AIXM4084.

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Les alcanes et les alcènes sont des hydrocarbures non cycliques important dans l’industrie. Ils sont synthétisés à partir d'acides gras par une grande variété d’organismes mais les connaissances à ce sujet sont très limitées chez les microalgues. Le but de ces travaux était donc de rechercher la présence d’alcanes ou d’alcènes dans diverses microalgues modèles, et d’essayer d’identifier la ou les enzymes responsables de la synthèse de ces composés. Nous avons mis en évidence la présence d’hydrocarbures linéaires en C15-C17 chez les microalgues Chlorella et Chlamydomonas. Ces composés étaient synthétisés uniquement en présence de lumière. L’absence dans le génome de ces microalgues d’homologues de gènes codant pour des enzymes connues de synthèse d’alcanes/alcènes a permis de conclure à la présence d’un nouveau système de synthèse d’hydrocarbures. Des purifications enzymatique et des analyses protéomique ont permis d’identifier une enzyme candidate qui exprimée chezE. coli est suffisante à la synthèse d’hydrocarbures. L'étude de cette enzyme révella qu'il s'agissait d'une photoenzyme utilisant l'énergie des photons bleue pour décarboxyler les acides grass en alca(e)ne. La structure de cette photoenzyme montre la présence un tunnel hydrophobe contenant l’acide gras et le cofacteur FAD. Cette nouvelle enzyme nommée « alcane photosynthase » amène de nombreuses question: qu'elle est la fonction des hydrocarbures chez ces microorganismes? Quel est le mécanisme catalytique de l’alcane photosynthase? Enfin, elle offre de nouvelles possibilités pour la production de biocarburants utilisant directement l’énergie solaire
Alkanes and alkenes are important in industry. Alkanes and alkenes are synthesized from fatty acids by a variety of organisms, such as plants and insects. However, the presence in microalgae of enzymes converting fatty acids into hydrocarbons has been poorly studied. The aim of this work was to investigate the presence of alkanes and alkenes in various microalgae models, and try to identify the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of these compounds.We have first demonstrated the presence of linear hydrocarbons C15-C17 in microalgae Chlorella and Chlamydomonas. Then we have shown that the main hydrocarbon formed in Chlorella and Chlamydomonas was derived from cis-vaccenic acid and was synthesized only in the presence of light. Absence of homologues of genes coding for known alkane/alkene biosynthetic enzymes in the genome of Chlorella and Chlamydomonas indicate the presence of an unknown pathway. Enzymatic purification and proteomic analysis allowed to identify a candidate enzyme which, expressed in E. coli lead to the formation of hydrocarbons with variable chain lengths, thus demonstrating that it was really an synthase alkane. Characterization showed that the enzyme was a photoenzyme, which used blue light to catalyse the decarboxylation of fatty acid to an alka(e)ne. The three-dimensional structure of this enzyme revealed a hydrophobic tunnel containing the fatty acid and the FAD cofactor

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King, P. M. "The use of ultrasound on the extraction of microalgal lipids." Thesis, Coventry University, 2014. http://curve.coventry.ac.uk/open/items/4aabbd22-686a-4284-a18d-23de6bcff203/1.

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Microalgae synthesize and store large volumes of lipids (potentially over 25% of dry weight) which could provide a renewable source of biodiesel. Traditional extraction techniques often produce poor lipid yields particularly from microalgae with robust cell walls. This project investigated the role of power ultrasound as a cell disruption step in lipid extraction from four microalgal species. Nile Red staining was used to assess the time when ultrasound induced increased membrane permeability in each species and lipids were extracted using an ultrasound assisted Bligh and Dyer extraction method. A 20 kHz probe system (40% amplitude, 0.086 W/cm3) caused increased lipid recovery from dry biomass in all cases; D. salina (no cell wall) from 15 to 22.5% of dry biomass after 1 minute (26% when stressed with 35 g/L NaCl). C. concordia (thin cell wall) from 7.5 to 10.5% of dry biomass after 2 minutes (27% with 25% nitrogen reduction in growth media). N. oculata (thick cell wall) from 6.5 to 10% of dry biomass after 16 minutes (31.5% when stressed with 30 g/L NaCl). The stressed cultures yield could be improved to 35% when ultrasound was combined with S070 beating beads. Chlorella sp. (thick cell wall) from 6.3 to 8.7% of dry biomass, after 16 minutes (44% was achieved when harvested at day 9 instead of 15). A Dual Frequency Reactor (16 and 20 kHz, 0.01 W/cm3) flow system with S070 beads demonstrated that high lipid extraction yields could be achieved on a larger level with N. oculata. After 4:48 minutes sonication 24% lipid recovery was achieved. This system could theoretically increase daily microalgal oil production from 3.96 to 5.76 L per day when compared to conventional techniques, at an extra production cost of only 2.9 p/litre (1.5% increase). D. salina, N. oculata and C. concordia resumed normal growth following sonication at 20 kHz after 1-20 days (8 minutes treatment for D. salina, 60 minutes treatment for N. oculata and 16 minutes treatment for C. concordia). It was found that the supernatant of sonicated D. salina and C. concordia when added to established cultures were able to boost their growth.

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Weiss, Annika Verfasser], Liselotte [Akademischer Betreuer] [Schebek, and Peter [Akademischer Betreuer] Cornel. "Energy balance of microalgae biofuels / Annika Weiss. Betreuer: Liselotte Schebek ; Peter Cornel." Darmstadt : Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek Darmstadt, 2016. http://d-nb.info/1112332812/34.

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Lowrey, Joshua Bradley. "Seawater/Wastewater Production of Microalgae-based Biofuels in Closed Loop Tubular Photobioreactors." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2011. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/509.

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The push for alternatives to petroleum fuels has forced researchers to look for highly productive, renewable, non-food resources. The advantages of using microalgae instead of traditional oil crops for biofuel production include high oil yields, rapid reproductive rates, and versatile growing requirements. In order to reduce the cost of producing microalgae based biofuels, wastewater has been used as a nutrient source instead of specialized plant nutrients. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of different combinations of microalgae strain and dairy wastewater for increasing biomass. The methods for monitoring growth included optical density, cell counting, biomass estimation by chlorophyll-a, and volatile suspended solids. The analyses compared four concentrations of wastewater media as well as four strain treatments: Chlorella vulgaris, Tetraselmis sp., mixed freshwater culture and mixed saltwater culture. Optimum wastewater concentrations for microalgae growth were approximately 0% and 25% for most strain treatments. The results of the wastewater treatments concluded that dairy wastewater could serve as an effective nutrient substitute for plant food at concentrations approximately 25%. Chlorella vulgaris and Tetraselmis sp. prevailed over the mixed cultures for biomass production. Nitrate was the most limiting nutrient and exhibited the greatest reductions, sometimes in excess of 90%. The regression equations derived from the volatile suspended solids data achieved high R2 values and determined that total nitrogen, ammonium, and nitrate were significant in the model. In those equations, increasing either ammonium or nitrate yielded an increase in volatile suspended solids. With regards to comparing biomass quantification methods, the two most useful and reliable biomass quantification methods were optical density and volatile suspended solids.

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Weiss, Annika [Verfasser], Liselotte [Akademischer Betreuer] Schebek, and Peter [Akademischer Betreuer] Cornel. "Energy balance of microalgae biofuels / Annika Weiss. Betreuer: Liselotte Schebek ; Peter Cornel." Darmstadt : Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek Darmstadt, 2016. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:tuda-tuprints-53524.

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Jeffrey, Bargiel. "Commercialization of Lateral Displacement Array for the Dewatering of Microalgae." Cleveland, Ohio : Case Western Reserve University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1238702010.

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Abu, Hajar Husam A. "Sustainable Cultivation of Microalgae Using Diluted Anaerobic Digestate for BiofuelsProduction." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1470932526.

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Spierling, Ruth E. "ANAEROBIC CO-DIGESTION OF MICROALGAE WITH FOOD WASTE AND WASTEWATER SLUDGE." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2011. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/586.

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This research sought to optimize anaerobic co-digestion of microalgae biomass harvested from a wastewater treatment pond facility with locally-available wastes. The goal was to produce high methane yields and stable digestion without the need for supplemental alkalinity addition. A key research question was if algae digestion could be improved via the synergistic effects of co-digestion. Cell disruption to increase digestibility was not pursued due to its relatively high mechanical complexity and high energy use. For the wastewater treatment ponds studied, the most practical co-substrates identified were municipal wastewater sludge and food waste (sorted organic municipal waste). Although wastewater sludge does not have a particularly high carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio, it readily and stably digests and is available in large quantities at wastewater treatment plants. This research investigated the methane productivity of algae co-digestion with municipal wastewater sludge and food waste in semi-continuous bench-scale anaerobic digesters at 37.5˚C. Digesters fed pure algae biomass loaded at a rate of 4 g Volatile Solids (VS)/L-day with a 20-day residence time exhibited stable digestion and yielded an average of 0.23 L CH4/g VS Introduced. For digesters that contained algae biomass in the feed, the greatest methane yield of 0.40 mL CH4/g VSin was observed in a digester containing 50% algae co-digested with both sorted organic municipal waste (40%), and municipal wastewater sludge (10%) at a loading rate of 2 g VS/L-day with a 20-day residence time. While adding co-substrates increased yields in all digesters, prevention of ammonia toxicity did not appear to be the mechanism. Instead, the co-substrates simply increased the concentration of readily-digestible organic carbon, leading to increased methane yields and productivities. For algae biomass, total ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 3370 mg/L did not appear to inhibit methane yield. Digesters with the same feed contents and residence time loaded at 2 and 4 g VS/L-d had similar yields but total ammonia nitrogen concentrations of 1740 and 3370 mg/L respectively. From the data from these laboratory studies, descriptive models were developed for ammonia nitrogen, alkalinity, volatile fatty acids, yield, biogas quality, and volatile solids destruction. The variables from the descriptive models with p-values above 0.05 were then used to create a compact model.

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Brown, Terry-Rene Wiesner. "Monitoring and Mitigation of Elevated CO₂ Impacts using Microalgae." Scholar Commons, 2016. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/6188.

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Climate change is arguably the greatest environmental and economic challenge of our time. There are considerable documented and projected impacts to both human and natural systems as a result of climate change. These impacts include changes in temperature, sea level, precipitation patterns, and biogeography of ecologically and economically relevant species, including pathogens. One of the main drivers of climate change is elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas. Since pre-industrial times, atmospheric CO2 levels have increased from approximately 280 ppm to over 400 ppm, as a result of fossil fuel combustion, cement production and land use change. In addition to being a driver of climate change and a direct contributor to the increase in global average temperatures, elevated atmospheric CO2 also affects biogeochemical cycles. When ocean surface waters equilibrate with higher levels of atmospheric CO2, there is an increase in acidification and resulting effects on marine biota, such as changes to community composition and decreases in calcifying organisms. Freshwater systems are less understood, but many freshwater systems are experiencing acidification and the resulting ramifications as well. Microalgae, as the primary producers in these systems, are often studied as sentinels of such change. Here, I present studies using microalgae to monitor and mitigate elevated CO2. The goals of the investigation were to conduct 1) a field study to determine if microalgae in a freshwater stream were impacted by an elevated CO2 treatment; 2) a meta-analysis of elevated CO2 effects on freshwater microalgae; and 3) a laboratory study to optimize growth of microalgae for biofuels production. In the first chapter, I provide background information and the framework for the studies that follow. Past, present and future atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are discussed as well as their impacts to marine and freshwater systems. The importance of microalgae to these aquatic systems is described. Then I discuss the role of microalgae in elevated CO2 monitoring and mitigation. In the second chapter, I present a field study of elevated CO2 effects on a freshwater stream. The study took place at the University of Michigan Biological Station at the Stream Research Facility. Once-through artificial stream channels were employed to grow microalgae in simulated natural stream conditions. The stream channels were subjected to ambient or elevated CO2 treatments and impacts to stream water chemistry and microalgae were measured. Stream water chemistry was impacted by the elevated CO2 treatment such that there were significant decreases in pH and significant increases in dissolved inorganic carbon. However, these chemical changes did not have a measured impact on the stream microalgae, as measured by microalgal biomass, elemental composition, and community composition. Perhaps microalgae will not be the first to be impacted by increasing levels of atmospheric CO2, though freshwater systems vary considerably and more research is needed to confirm this conclusion. In the third chapter, I present the results of a meta-analysis of elevated CO2 effects on freshwater algae. We conducted a literature search in ISI Web of Science of all publications on freshwater microalgal response to elevated CO2 and chose studies that used elevated CO2 levels of less than or equal to 2,000 ppm, which is the highest level projected for the future by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. From the twenty-two papers that met the inclusion criteria, qualitative and quantitative data were extracted and categorized into response classes including water chemistry, microalgal growth, carbon fixation and photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and consumer response. Effect sizes for elevated CO2 were calculated, and CO2 enrichment significantly increased water acidity and dissolved inorganic carbon concentrations, microalgal growth, carbon fixation and photosynthesis, and algal nutrient uptake. Algal consumers (e.g., herbivores) in general were negatively affected, but the overall result was not statistically significant. We also analyzed a variety of experimental parameters and determined that experimental design and algal culture conditions did not impact elevated CO2 effects on freshwater microalgae in the studies conducted to date. In the fourth chapter, I provide the results of a laboratory-based study of the marine microalgae Picochlorum oculatum, which has shown promise as a source of biofuel because of its high lipid production and relative ease of growing in culture. We ran a series of lab experiments to optimize growth conditions and maximize growth of P. oculatum. Experiments included tests of light source (LED or metal halide), CO2 delivery (continuously or in pH-controlled pulses), inoculum size (10%, 15% or 20%), and culture pH (7.0, 7.5, or 8.0); these variations did not significantly impact growth so future experiments were run in the most cost-effective manner using LED lights, with pH-controlled pulses, 10% inoculum size and at culture pH of 7.5. We also tested different sources of supplied nitrogen in an effort to reduce culture costs and potentially improve sustainability by using urea and ammonium, sources of nitrogen readily available from wastewater treatment. Growth was comparable using the standard artificial nitrogen source, nitrate, and the wastewater-constituent urea, indicating that urea may be a cost-effective and sustainable source of nitrogen for microalgal cultures grown on an industrial scale for biofuel production. Growth using ammonium was not successful even when concentrations were reduced and a buffer was added to reduce acidification of the growth medium resulting from ammonium uptake by the algae. More research is needed to determine if ammonium can be a suitable nitrogen source for microalgae. Experiments were also conducted in an outdoor setting to determine if high growth levels were maintained when the cultures were grown at a larger scale and in variable natural conditions; successful growth was demonstrated over 68 days, indicating that P. oculatum may be a promising candidate for biofuel production. Additional research is needed to further optimize culture growth and streamline operations. The body of work herein examines the role of microalgae in elevated CO2 monitoring and mitigation. There is considerable evidence that elevated atmospheric CO2 impacts aquatic chemistry through increases in dissolved inorganic carbon and acidity. These chemical changes have varied impacts on aquatic biota, including microalgae, which play foundational roles in ecosystems as primary producers and bases of food webs. Microalgal responses to elevated CO2 may impact other trophic levels and have widespread effects on aquatic ecosystems. Additional research is needed on elevated CO2 effects on microalgae, particularly in freshwater systems, which are less understood than marine systems and perhaps less predictable due to the wide variability in their physical, chemical and biological compositions. Microalgae may also play a significant role in elevated CO2 mitigation because of their potential in biofuel production. With additional research focused on reducing costs and improving sustainability, microalgae may play an important role in reducing elevated CO2, one of the main drivers of climate change.

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Gris, Lara Regina Soccol. "Produção da microalga Nannochloropsis oculata em fotobiorreator airlift." reponame:Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da UFRGS, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10183/29403.

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Microalgas são micro-organismos fotossintetizantes que convertem CO2 majoritariamente em lipídios, proteínas e carboidratos. A produção de microalgas é indicada atualmente como alternativa para biomitigação de CO2 e para geração de biocombustíveis, a partir da conversão da biomassa através de processos químicos e biotecnológicos. As vantagens das microalgas estão na sua maior velocidade de crescimento em relação a vegetais oleaginosos superiores e em seu teor lipídico, que para algumas espécies pode chegar a valores maiores que 50%. Apesar do potencial envolvendo as microalgas, muitos desafios ainda precisam ser superados para tornar viável a aplicação desses micro-organismos para fins energéticos. São necessários desenvolvimentos nas mais diversas áreas, abordando os seguintes aspectos: seleção e melhoramento genético de espécies, alcance de maior eficiência fotossintética, desenvolvimento de sistemas de produção e de seu escalonamento, desenvolvimento de sistemas e processos de colheita, extração e processamento, aproveitamento de nutrientes provenientes de resíduos, otimização de condições operacionais, dentre outros. Este trabalho teve por objetivo determinar as melhores condições de crescimento da microalga marinha Nannochloropsis oculata em um fotobiorreator airlift. Os experimentos foram realizados seguindo um delineamento composto central rotacional com temperatura, (19 a 29 °C), concentração de nitrato no meio de cultivo (f/2) (25 a 125 mg.l-1) e intensidade luminosa (3636 a 10364 lux) como variáveis de estudo. Uma planta laboratorial com 12 fotobiorreatores foi construída, permitindo realizar os experimentos do referido planejamento em dois blocos. As variáveis de resposta estudadas e os respectivos melhores resultados experimentais obtidos foram de 482,7 mg.l-1 para a máxima concentração de biomassa, nas condições de 21 °C, 105 mg.l-1 de NaNO3 e 9000 lux, taxa instantânea de crescimento no período exponencial de 0,5624 d-1, nas condições de 24 °C, 75 mg.l-1 de NaNO3 e 7000 lux e percentual de lipídios em biomassa liofilizada de 30,36%, nas condições de 21 °C, 45 mg.l-1 de NaNO3 e 5000 lux.
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that convert CO2 mainly into lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. Microalgae production is currently pointed out as an alternative for CO2 biomitigation and generation of renewable biofuels, from biomass conversion by chemical and biotechnological processes. Microalgae advantages are fastest growth comparing with oil crops and their higher lipid content, which for some species can reach values above 50%. Despite the potential involving microalgae, many challenges remain to be overcome to make feasible the application of these microorganisms for energy purposes. We need to develop several areas, addressing the following issues: selection and genetic improvement of species, reaching higher photosynthetic efficiency, development of production systems and their scale up, development of systems and procedures for harvest, extraction and processing, use of nutrients from flue gases and wastewater, optimization of operating conditions, etc. This study aimed to determine the best conditions for growth of the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata in airlift phootobioreactor. Experiments were carried out following a central composite design of the following variables: temperature (19 to 29 ° C), nitrate concentration in the culture medium (f/2) (25 to 125 mg.l-1) and irradiance (3636 to 10364 lux). A laboratory plant was built with 12 photobioreactors, allowing perform the central composite design in two blocks. The response variables studied and the best experimental results obtained were 482,7 mg.l-1 for maximum biomass concentration under conditions of 21 °C, NaNO3 concentration 105 mg.l-1 and 9000 lux, instantaneous rate of increase in exponential period equal to 0.5624 d-1 under the conditions of 24 °C, NaNO3 concentration 75 mg.l-1 and 7000 lux and percentual lipid content in lyophilized biomass of 30.36% under the conditions of 21 °C, NaNO3 concentration 45 mg.l-1 and 5000 lux.

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Elsayed, Khaled [Verfasser], Mathias [Akademischer Betreuer] [Gutachter] Winterhalter, Gerd [Gutachter] Klöck, and Anja [Gutachter] Noke. "Production of Biofuels from Microalgae / Khaled Elsayed ; Gutachter: Mathias Winterhalter, Gerd Klöck, Anja Noke ; Betreuer: Mathias Winterhalter." Bremen : IRC-Library, Information Resource Center der Jacobs University Bremen, 2017. http://d-nb.info/1139892525/34.

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Cagnon, Caroline. "Une approche de génétique classique pour l' isolement et la caractérisation de mutants affectés dans la remobilisation des lipides chez Chlamydomonas reinhardtii." Thesis, Aix-Marseille, 2015. http://www.theses.fr/2015AIXM4012.

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Les microalgues accumulent de grandes quantités d’huile, et sont de bons candidats pour la production de biocarburants. Mais des verrous techniques et biologiques doivent être levés pour une production rentable. Augmenter la teneur en huile par cellule et découvrir des protéine clés du métabolisme des triglycérides sont des objectifs importants. Nous avons mis en place une approche de génétique classique ciblée sur l’isolement de mutants d’insertion affectés dans la remobilisation des lipides de réserves suite à la re-supplémentation en azote après carence. Nous avons mis au point un protocole de criblage à haut débit basé sur la semi-quantification de ces lipides qui nous a permis d’isoler plus de 30 mutants. Nous avons identifié les loci d’insertion pour certains en utilisant la méthode Genome Walker. Le marqueur de résistance à l’antibiotique a été trouvéé dans des gènes codant pour des kinases, une protéine de type polycystine avec répétitions d’un domaine homologue de type lipoxygénase, des protéines du métabolisme de l’amidon, ou encore une méthyltransférase. Ces mutants forment un set de candidats devant être validés par complémentation pour une meilleure compréhension du métabolisme des lipides. Nous avons vu que la plupart des mutants défectueux dans la remobilisation des lipides de réserve sont aussi affectés dans celle de l’amidon. Ce lien potentiel entre les 2 processus est renforcé par le fait que dans 2 mutants connus de synthèse de l’amidon nous avons pu mettre en évidence un défaut de remobilisation des triglycérides. Ainsi, nous avons montré un lien d’interdépendance entre les dégradations des 2 formes majoritaires de réserves carbonées des microalgues
Microalgae are able to accumulate high amounts of oil reserves, which make them promising candidates for biofuel production. Nevertheless, some technical and biological bottlenecks have to be overcome before a profitable industrial production. Increasing oil content per cell and discovering key proteins of oil metabolism is a major goal. We took a forward genetic approach and focused on isolating insertional mutants affected in oil remobilization following nitrogen resupply after a starvation phase. We setup and developed a medium- to highthroughput semi-quantitative oil content screening protocol, which has enabled isolation of >30 mutants. We identified the insertion loci in some of these mutants through the “genome walker” PCR-based method. The antibiotic marker was found to be inserted in genes encoding various proteins including serine-threonine kinases, a polycystin-related protein containing repetitions of a lipoxygenase homology domain, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, a starch metabolism protein and a methyltransferase. Mutants isolated provide a first set of candidate genes that remain to be validated by complementation and should contribute to a better understanding of lipid homeostasis in green microalgae. During the course of this work, we observed that most mutants defected in oil remobilization were also impaired in starch degradation. The occurrence of a link between the degradation of starch and oil was further strengthened by the fact that in two known starch-less mutants the oil remobilization process was found to be defected. This is the first evidence of an interdependency between the degradation processes of the major types of carbon reserves in microalgae

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Caporgno, Martín Pablo. "The potential of sewage sludge and microalgae: "green energy" production and environment benefits." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/386396.

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Es preveu que l'esgotament de les reserves de combustibles fòssils succeeixi en les pròximes dècades. La producció de biocombustibles per reduir la demanda de combustibles fòssils ha provocat diversos problemes; per exemple, la producció de biodièsel a partir de matèries primeres també utilitzades en la producció d'aliments ha modificat l'ús de les sòls agrícoles reemplaçant la producció d'aliments per la producció d'energia. En aquest context, les microalgues han sorgit com a matèria primera de baix cost i no comestibles. Aquesta tesi investiga diferents escenaris per produir biocombustibles a partir de microalgues: Isochrysis mandra, Selenastrum capricornutum, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella kessleri, Nannochloropsis oculata i Nannochloropsis oceanica. Les microalgues van ser convertides principalment en dos biocombustibles: metà, produït per digestió anaeròbica, i bio-oli, produït per liqüefacció hidrotèrmica. En el cas de la digestió anaeròbia, s'ha avaluat la influència de diversos paràmetres en la producció de metà: espècies de microalgues, temperatura de la digestió, relació substrat:inòcul, pretractament de la biomassa i la co-digestió de microalgues amb fangs de depuradora. En cas de liqüefacció hidrotérmica, els paràmetres investigats van ser: temperatura i l'addició de co-dissolvents per millorar els rendiments de bio-oil i la seva qualitat. A més de la producció de biocombustibles, aquesta tesi també avalua la possibilitat de reciclar nutrients per al cultiu de microalgues a partir dels sub-productes generats en la digestió anaeròbia i en la liqüefacció.
Se prevé el agotamiento de las reservas de combustibles fósiles en las próximas décadas. La producción de biocombustibles para reducir la demanda de combustibles fósiles ha provocado varios problemas; por ejemplo, la producción de biodiesel a partir de materias primas también utilizadas en la producción de alimentos ha modificado el uso de las tierras agrícolas reemplazando la producción de alimentos por la producción de energía. En este contexto, las microalgas han surgido como materia prima de bajo costo y no comestibles. Esta tesis investiga diferentes escenarios para producir biocombustibles a partir de distintas microalgas: Isochrysis galbana, Selenastrum capricornutum, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella kessleri, Nannochloropsis oculata y Nannochloropsis oceanica. Principalmente, dos biocombustibles diferentes han sido producidos: metano, mediante digestión anaeróbica, y bio-oil, mediante licuefacción hidrotérmica. En el caso de la digestión anaerobia, se ha evaluado la influencia de diversos parámetros en la producción de metano: las especies de microalgas, la temperatura de la digestión, la relación sustrato:inóculo, el pre-tratamiento de la biomasa y la co-digestión de microalgas con lodos de depuradora. En caso de licuefacción hidrotérmica, los parámetros investigados fueron: temperatura y la adición de co-disolventes para mejorar los rendimientos de bio-oil y su calidad. Además de la producción de biocombustibles, esta tesis también evalúa la posibilidad de reciclar nutrientes para el cultivo de microalgas a partir de los sub-productos generados en la digestión anaerobia y en la licuefacción
The depletion of the fossil-fuel reserves is predicted to happen the next few decades. The biofuels production to alleviate the fossil-fuel demand has caused several problems; for example, the biodiesel production from edible oil seeds has shifted out the land from food to energy production. In this context, microalgae have arisen as low-cost and non-edible feedstocks for biofuels production. This thesis investigates different scenarios to produce biofuels from microalgae. Isochrysis galbana, Selenastrum capricornutum, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella kessleri, Nannochloropsis oculata and Nannochloropsis oceanica are microalgae species used in the experiments. The biomass was mainly converted into two different biofuels: methane, produced by anaerobic digestion, and bio-oil, produced by hydrothermal liquefaction. In case of anaerobic digestion, the influence of several parameters on the methane production has been evaluated: microalgae species, temperature of digestion, substrate to inoculum ratio, biomass pre-treatment and co-digestion of microalgae and sewage sludge. In case of hydrothermal liquefaction, the parameters investigated were: temperature and addition of co-solvents to improve bio-oil yields and quality. Additionally to the benefits of producing biofuels from microalgae, this thesis also evaluates the possibility of recycling nutrients after anaerobic digestion and liquefaction for microalgae cultivation.

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Sui, Jiyuan. "Parameterising and developing models for the use of microalgae as a feedstock for biofuels and valuable chemicals production." Thesis, Swansea University, 2013. https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa42610.

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With the development of photobioreactor technology, microalgal culture has been proposed for various purposes in the past decades. However, primarily due to the low productivity, challenge remains to scale up from laboratory studies to mass cultivation. The increasing interest of using microalgae for biodiesel production has put this challenge back on the priority list. In this investigation, fatty acid composition of Nannochloropsis oculata (Droop) (CCAP 849/1) in relation to elemental stoichiometry has been studied and used to inform the development of algal growth models. Through tuning C;N and Chl:C ratios, a model description can be made regulating total fatty acid content and polyunsaturated fatty acid content respectively. This quota-based model also mechanistically describes the dynamics of nutrient (nitrate and phosphate) uptake and depth integrated photosynthesis with growth. When used in a generic descriptive mode, with a bulk description of energy reserve (excess-C), the model was used to evaluate the potential biomass and biofuels production and used to explore the options of optimization of biomass and biofuel productivity from a "typical" microalga under various operational scenarios in a bioreactor. Data from experiments using Nannochloropsis oculata (Droop) (CCAP 849/1) were used to parameterize this bioreactor model. The model fits the data in general terms except for phosphate uptake, probably due to the phosphate precipitation in seawater. While the development of a fully functional model of microalgae growth capable of describing biochemical stoichiometry is still in its infancy. The work described here indicates the potential value and scope of developing the functional model of microalgae growth for biofuels and valuable chemicals production.

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Steichen, Seth A., and Seth A. Steichen. "Tracking an Algal Predator: Monitoring the Dynamics of Vampirovibrio Chlorellavorus in Outdoor Culture." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/622836.

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The environmental conditions created in the Southwestern deserts of the United States are conducive to the production of green microalgae biomass, for use as a feedstock intended for conversion to carbon neutral liquid biodiesel. One promising heat-tolerant, rapidly-growing, high lipid content species is the chlorophyte, Chlorella sorokiniana (Shihira and Krauss, 1965) (isolate DOE 1412), which has been selected for pilot-scale production as part of a larger algal biofuels project to assess its potential for long-term productivity in open, outdoor monoculture production systems. Molecular analysis exposed the presence of the pathogenic bacterium, Vampirovibrio chlorellavorus (Gromov & Mamkaeva, 1972) causing infection and death of DOE 1412, which occurred most rapidly at air temperatures exceeding 34 °C. This Gram-negative bacterium has been reported to attach to and utilize the cellular contents of several Chlorella species, leading to yellowing and flocculation of algal cells, and death of the host. A quantitative PCR assay was developed to monitor pathogen accumulation using the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, in addition to the algal 18S ribosomal RNA gene for normalization. The assay is highly sensitive, with limits of quantification for the 16S and 18S gene targets calculated to be 19 and 131 copies, respectively. The qPCR assay was used to monitor several outdoor reactors inoculated with the DOE1412, throughout the warm season growth-to-harvest cycle to understand the disease cycle and inform disease management decisions. Further, the bacterium was monitored in paddlewheel DOE 1412 cultures treated with benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a biocide tested for the ability V. chlorellavorus attack of DOE 1412. The treatment resulted in a reduced growth rate for DOE 1412, but prolonged the duration of the production cycle resulting in increased total harvestable yield, compared to untreated control cultures.

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TIBÚRCIO, Viviane Pereira. "Avaliação do teor de ácido graxo das microalgas Pediastrum tetras e Scenedesmus acuminatus sob fótico e térmico para produção de biodiesel." Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, 2014. http://dspace.sti.ufcg.edu.br:8080/jspui/handle/riufcg/530.

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A busca por alternativas energéticas viáveis, de baixo custo, sustentáveis e que possam substituir o uso de combustíveis fósseis tem aumentado. Neste contexto, os biocombustíveis derivados de microalgas torna-se uma opção promissora quer seja do ponto de vista econômico como do ponto de vista ambiental. Os cultivos de microalgas produzem elevada quantidade de biomassa em curto tempo e não requerem extensas áreas para sua produção como acontece com a cana de açúcar utilizada para a produção de etanol, ou a soja, no caso do biodiesel. Este trabalho teve o propósito de caracterizar o potencial de produção de ácidos graxos de microalgas isoladas da região semiárida do estado da Paraíba mantidas em cultivo monoespecífico no banco de culturas de microalgas do LARBIM/UFPB e selecionar espécies potencialmente produtoras desses compostos visando cultivá-las em diferentes condições de estresse com o propósito de incrementar o rendimento final dos ácidos graxos de interesse à produção de biodiesel. Os cultivos foram desenvolvidos utilizando os meios Zarrouk e WC em câmara de cultura a 25°C±1ºC dotada de sistema de iluminação, com fotoperíodo de 12 horas. Foram estudadas 12 cepas incluídas em 7 espécies representantes dos grupos das cianobactérias e clorofíceas. A quantificação de ácidos graxos de cada uma das microalgas estudadas, foi determinado por cromatografia a gás. Duas espécies Pediastrum tetras (D121WC) e Scenedesmus acuminatus (D115WC) apresentaram teores de ácidos graxos 802,1% em relação a soja 211,1% em relação a soja, respectivamente. Por essa razão essas espécies foram cultivadas em diferentes condições de estresse nas mesmas condições de temperatura e fotoperíodo, utilizando-se estresses fótico, térmico e nutricional. Ao final de cada experimento foram determinadas para cada condição testada, os teores de protrínas, lipídeos e carbiodratos. As curvas de crescimento foram acompanhas por medida de fluorescência in vivo, em triplicatas, e todos os parâmetros de crescimento foram analisados para cada espécie testada. Observou-se maior taxa de divisão celular por dia na espécie D112Z (0,71 divisão/dia). Os teores de ácidos graxos na cepa D121WC aumentaram mais do que o dobro sob a condição de estresse fótico. Já para a espécie D115WC ocorreu um aumento no rendimento de ácido graxo ao condiciona-la a estresse térmico de 590,8% em relação à soja. Apesar das duas espécies testadas (Pediastrum tetras e Scenedesmus acuminatus) serem potencialmente importantes para a produção de biodiesel, evidenciase que suas respostas fisiológicas às condições de estresse não são as mesmas.
The search for viable energy alternatives, low cost, sustainable and can replace the use of fossil fuels has increased. In this context, biofuels derived from microalgae become a promising option either from the economic point of view as from the environmental point of view. The cultivation of microalgae produce higher amount of biomass in a short time and require large areas for their production as with sugarcane used for ethanol production, or soybean in the case biodiesel. This study aimed to characterize the potential for production of fatty acids from microalgae isolated from the semiarid region of the state of Paraiba kept growing in monospecific cultures of microalgae bank of LARBIM / UFPB and select potentially producing species of these compounds in order to grow them different stress conditions in order to increase the final yield of the fatty acids of interest for biodiesel production. The cultures were developed using the means Zarrouk and toilet in a growth chamber at 25 ° C ± 1 ° C equipped with lighting system, with a photoperiod of 12 hours. 12 strains included representatives of groups of cyanobacteria and green algae were studied in seven species. The quantification of each fatty microalgae studied acids was determined by gas chromatography. Two species Pediastrum tetras (D121WC) and Scenedesmus acuminatus (D115WC) showed levels of fatty acids 802.1% compared to 211.1% in soybeans compared to soybean, respectively. Therefore these species were grown under different conditions of stress under the same conditions of temperature and photoperiod, using photic, thermal and nutritional stresses. At the end of each experiment were determined for each condition tested, the levels of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The growth curves were avidly by measuring in vivo fluorescence in triplicate, and all growth parameters were analyzed for each species tested. Observed a higher rate of cell division per day in D112Z (0.71 divisions / day) species. The levels of fatty acids in strain D121WC increased more than twice on condition of photic stress. As for the species D115WC was an increase in the yield of fatty acid to condition it to heat stress of 590.8% compared to soybean. Although the two potentially important for the production of biodiesel tested species (Pediastrum tetras and Scenedesmus acuminatus) are, it is evident that their physiological responses to stress conditions are not the same.

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Zemke, Peter Edwin. "Mathematical Modeling of Light Utilization and the Effects of Temperature Cycles on Productivity in a Steady-State Algal Photobioreactor." DigitalCommons@USU, 2010. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/665.

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The work presented here investigated two methods of improving productivity in microalgal photobioreactors: applying temperature cycles intended to maximize photosynthesis and minimize respiration, and development of a mathematical model that predicts improvements in photon utilization using temporal light dilution (flashing). The experiments conducted on diurnal temperature cycles with Dunaliella tertiolecta in 30-L outdoor photobioreactors showed that a properly chosen temperature cycle can improve mass and energy productivity by 18% over an identical photobioreactor with a constant temperature. However, excessively large temperature cycle amplitudes reduced productivity. A 4-7% increase in energy content was observed in microalgae exposed to temperature cycles. The physiological reason for this could not be established. A relationship similar to the Bush Equation was obtained that related photon utilization efficiency to flashing frequency, load factor, Photosystem II (PSII) concentration and reaction frequency, and chlorophyll content. The model was validated by the experimental data of a number of researchers.

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Warren, Kristin M. "Passive Mechanical Lysis of Bioinspired Systems: Computational Modeling and Microfluidic Experiments." Research Showcase @ CMU, 2016. http://repository.cmu.edu/dissertations/840.

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Many developed nations depend on oil for the production of gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. Meanwhile, oil shortages progress and bottlenecks in oil productions continue to materialize. These and other factors result in an energy crisis, which cause detrimental social and economic effects. Because of the impending energy crisis, various potential energy sources have developed including solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear, and biomass. Within the biomass sector for renewable energy sources, algae-based biofuels have become one of the most exciting, new feedstocks. Of the potential plant biofuel feedstocks, microalgae is attractive in comparison to other crops because it is versatile and doesn’t pose a threat to food sources. Despite its many advantages, the process to convert the microalgae into a biofuel is very complex and inefficient. All steps within the algae to biofuel production line must be optimized for microalgal biofuel to be sustainable. The production of biofuels from algae begins with selecting and cultivating an algae strain and giving it all the necessities to grow. The algae is then harvested and processed for specific uses. It is the harvesting or lysing step, which includes the extraction of the algal lipids, which is the biggest hindrance of algae being used as a cost effective energy source. The lysing step within the microalgal biofuel processing is of particular interest and will be the focus of this work. This work discusses the optimization of the biofuel production from microalgae biomass through computational and experimental approaches. With atomic force microscopy (AFM), a key mechanical property that would aid in the computational modeling of mechanical lysis in the in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, Particle-Surface Analysis Code (P-STAC), was determined. In P-STAC, various flow patterns were modeled that would most effectively lyse microalgal cells based on the shear stresses placed on the cells, which will be compared against microfluidic experiments using lipid specific dyes. These results would be influential in developing an energy-efficient method of processing microalgae for biofuel.

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Almeida, Gustavo Pereira de 1986. "Análise do papel da via de sinalização sensível à rapamicina na expressão gênica e multiplicação celular de Chlamydomonas reinhardtii = Analysis of the rapamycin-sensitive signaling pathway role in gene expression and cell multiplication of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii." [s.n.], 2012. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/316764.

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Orientador: Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia
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Resumo: A produção de energia por meio de fontes renováveis é uma exigência atual para se atingir uma economia sustentável. Os organismos fotossintetizantes surgem nesse contexto como ferramentas importantes na produção de compostos carbônicos ricos em energia, com destaque para microalgas em que tais compostos podem atingir até 80% do peso seco. Entretanto, um fator ainda desfavorável para sua utilização é o seu baixo rendimento na produção de biomassa. A espécie Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, por exemplo, é capaz de duplicar apenas algumas vezes durante 24 horas. As vias que controlam o crescimento celular, portanto, são alvos promissores para modificação genética. Dentre essas vias, à via de sinalização sensível à rapamicina aparece como um controlador central. Com o intuito de entender melhor como esse controle é exercido ao nível da expressão gênica global, foi utilizado a ferramenta de sequenciamento de RNA em larga escala para obtenção dos transcriptomas de culturas (sincronizadas) sob inibição dessa via e na condição controle, em oito momentos ao longo de um ciclo celular de 24h. O controle exercido por essa via sobre o metabolismo e sobre o ciclo celular foi o foco das análises. Foi encontrado que a inibição da via da TOR é capaz de gerar uma resposta de direcionamento parcial do metabolismo para a produção de TAG em detrimento de moléculas complexas como proteínas. Esse direcionamento foi considerado parcial devido à ocorrência concomitante de reações catabólicas. Outros dados obtidos sugerem que a via da TOR, além de regular o metabolismo de uma maneira geral e diversas funções celulares, também exerce influência sobre o progresso do ciclo celular e sua inibição resulta no atraso do desenvolvimento das fases do ciclo. Diversos fatores reguladores da transcrição envolvidos no desenvolvimento, no crescimento e na regulação do ciclo celular, foram encontrados diferencialmente expressos e constituem possíveis genes chave no controle do crescimento. Eles representam alvos em potencial para modificação genética com intuito de otimizar as taxas de crescimento na primeira etapa do sistema de produção. Na busca de alternativas aos processos atuais de indução do acúmulo de cadeias carbônicas, os efeitos da combinação rapamicina e via da TOR representam uma abordagem interessante para pesquisas futuras para viabilização da utilização de microalgas como fonte de energia. Este estudo possibilitou um melhor entendimento da atuação da via da TOR no crescimento e progresso do ciclo celular em C. reinhardtii ao nível de expressão gênica
Abstract: The energy production through renewable sources is an actual demand for achieving a sustainable economy. In this context, photosynthesizing organisms come to light as important tools for the production of energy-rich carbonic compounds, especially the microalgae, in which these compounds can reach up to 80% of the dry weight. However, an unfavorable factor for its utilization is the low yield of biomass production. The species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, for instance, is capable of achieving only some duplication after 24 hours. The pathways that control cell growth are therefore promising targets for genetic modification. Among them, the rapamycin-sensitive signaling pathway emerges as a central controller. With the aim of better understanding how this control is fulfilled by the means of global gene expression, the high throughput RNA sequencing technology was used. With it, the synchronized cultures transcriptome under the inhibition of this pathway and in the control condition, of eight points during a cellular cycle of 24 hours, were obtained. The metabolism and the cell cycle control by the TOR pathway was the main focus of the analysis. It was found that the inhibition of this pathway is capable to partially draw the metabolism towards TAG production to the detriment of producing more complex chains as proteins. This directing was considered partial due to the concomitant occurrence of catabolic reactions. Other data suggested that the TOR pathway, apart from the metabolism regulation in a general way and regulation of many other cellular functions, also influence the cell cycle progression and its inhibition retards the development of cell phases. Several transcription regulators involved in development, growth and cell cycle regulation were found out to be differentially expressed and are likely to constitute key genes in growth control. They represent potential targets for genetic modification aiming the optimization of growth rate in the first step of the production system. In the search for alternatives to the current process of inducing carbon chain accumulation, the effects of the combination between rapamycin and TOR pathway represent an interesting approach for future research intending to turn the utilization of microalgae as an energy source into a feasible option. This study enabled a better understanding of the role of the TOR pathway in growth and cell cycle progression of C. reinhardtii at the level of gene expression
Mestrado
Genetica de Microorganismos
Mestre em Genética e Biologia Molecular

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Chagas, Bruna Maria Emerenciano das. "Influ?ncia do estresse nutricional programado na composi??o da microalga isochrysis galbana." Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2010. http://repositorio.ufrn.br:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/15802.

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Global warming due to Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions, especially CO2, has been identified as one of the major problems of the twenty-first century, considering the consequences that could represent to planet. Currently, biological processes have been mentioned as a possible solution, especially CO2 biofixation due to association microalgae growth. This strategy has been emphasized as in addition to CO2 mitigation, occurs the production of biomass rich in compounds of high added value. The Microalgae show high photosynthetic capacity and growth rate higher than the superior plants, doubling its biomass in one day. Its culture does not show seasons, they grow in salt water and do not require irrigation, herbicides or pesticides. The lipid content of these microorganisms, depending on the species, may range from 10 to 70% of its dry weight, reaching 90% under certain culture conditions. Studies indicate that the most effective method to promote increased production of lipids in microalgae is to induce stress by limiting nitrogen content in the culture medium. These evidences justify research continuing the production of biofuels from microalgae. In this paper, it was studied the strategy of increasing the production of lipids in microalgae I. galbana with programmed nutritional stress, due to nitrogen limitation. The physiological responses of microalgae, grown in f / 2 with different concentrations of nitrogen (N: P 15,0-control, N: 5,0 P and N: P 2,5) were monitored. During exponential phase, results showed invariability in the studied conditions. However the cultures subjected to stress in stationary phase, showed lower biomass yields. There was an increase of 32,5% in carbohydrate content and 87.68% in lipids content at N: P ratio of 5,0 and an average decrease of 65% in protein content at N: P ratios of 5, 0 and 2.5. There were no significant variations in ash content, independently of cultivation and growth phase. Despite the limitation of biomass production in cultures with N: P smaller ratios, the increase of lipid accumulation highest lipids yields were observed as compared to the control culture. Given the increased concentration of lipids associated to stress, this study suggests the use of microalgae Isochrysis galbana as an alternative raw material for biofuel production
O aquecimento global decorrente da emiss?o dos gases geradores do Efeito Estufa (GEE), em especial o CO2, ? um dos problemas mais graves do s?culo XXI, tendo em vista as conseq??ncias que esse agravante pode trazer ao planeta. Atualmente, os processos biol?gicos v?m sendo apontados como uma poss?vel solu??o, principalmente a biofixa??o do CO2 por microalgas. Essa estrat?gia tem sido ressaltada, uma vez que, paralelamente a mitiga??o do CO2 ocorre ? produ??o de biomassa rica em compostos de alto valor econ?mico agregado. As microalgas possuem alta capacidade fotossint?tica e taxa de crescimento superior aos vegetais superiores, duplicam a sua biomassa em um dia. O seu cultivo n?o segue regime de safras, s?o cultivadas em meio salino simples e n?o exigem irriga??o, herbicidas ou pesticidas. O teor de lip?dios destes microrganismos, dependendo da esp?cie, varia de 1 a 70% do seu peso seco, podendo chegar a 90% em certas condi??es de cultivo. Estudos indicam que ? poss?vel aumentar a produ??o de lip?dios pelas microalgas atrav?s de estresses fisiol?gicos induzidos pela restri??o do nitrog?nio no meio de cultura. Essas evid?ncias justificam pesquisas envolvendo a produ??o de biocombust?veis a partir de microalgas. No presente trabalho, estudou-se a estrat?gia de aumentar a produ??o de lip?dios pela microalga I. galbana atrav?s de um estresse nutricional programado, ocasionado pela restrin??o do nitrog?nio. Foram acompanhadas as respostas fisiol?gicas desta esp?cie, cultivada em meio f/2 com diferentes concentra??es de nitrog?nio (raz?es m?ssica N:P 15,0-controle, N:P 5,0 e N:P 2,5). Durante a fase exponencial, as an?lises mostraram uma invariabilidade para os cultivos estudados. Por?m, na fase estacion?ria, os cultivos submetidos ao estresse, indicaram menores rendimentos em biomassa. Observou-se um amento de 32,5% nos n?veis de carboidratos e de 87,68% no teor de lip?deos na raz?o N:P 5,0 e uma redu??o m?dia de 65% de prote?na nas raz?es N:P 5,0 ou 2,5. N?o houve varia??es significativas no teor de cinzas, independente das condi??es de cultivo e fase de crescimento. Apesar da limita??o de biomassa, o aumento do ac?mulo de lip?dios pelas culturas estressadas, proporcionou maiores produtividades de lip?dios, conseq?entemente este estudo sugere a utiliza??o da microalga Isochrysis galbana como fonte alternativa para a produ??o de biocombust?vel

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Villela, Helena Dias Müller. "Utilização das técnicas de engenharia genética e bioquímica em Chlamydomonas reinhardtii visando o aumento da produção de lipídeos para obtenção de biocombustível." Universidade de São Paulo, 2014. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/46/46131/tde-01102014-080611/.

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Os impactos ambientais causados pela queima dos combustíveis fósseis e pela sua manipulação, aliados ao crescente preço dos combustíveis, têm fomentado a procura de novos recursos renováveis e o desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias que suportem as necessidades desse mercado. Os biocombustíveis são recursos biodegradáveis e renováveis, que vêm se revelando uma alternativa economicamente viável. No entanto, a atual geração de biocombustíveis possui alguns pontos negativos, tais como: utilização de solos férteis e competição com a indústria de alimentos, uma vez que utiliza culturas como soja, milho e cana-de-açúcar, produtos de extrema importância econômica para seus países produtores. Por estes motivos, há um crescente interesse em explorar outras matérias-primas possíveis, em especial as voltadas exclusivamente para a geração de energia. Neste contexto, as microalgas vêm se mostrando uma opção bastante interessante. Estes organismos apresentam um alto potencial para tal, pois possuem alta taxa de crescimento e capacidade de produzir grande quantidade de óleo. Além disso, a produção do biocombustível por estes organismos pode ser otimizada tanto pela modificação das condições de cultivo (engenharia bioquímica), como através da manipulação genética das linhagens (engenharia genética). Neste trabalho, ambas as estratégias foram utilizadas com o intuito de se aumentar a quantidade de lipídeo produzido pela linhagem CC424 da microalga modelo Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. A via metabólica escolhida para a manipulação genética foi o ciclo do glioxilato, sendo as duas enzimas-chave desse ciclo, isocitrato liase (icl) e malato sintase (ms), os alvos. O plasmídeo pSL18 foi utilizado como vetor da transformação nas microalgas. Seis tipos de linhagens transformantes foram obtidas: duas delas subexpressando os genes icl e ms separadamente, duas subexpressando esses genes e duas contendo duplas transformações, ou seja, uma delas subexpressando ambos os genes ao mesmo tempo e a outra superexpressando os mesmos. Quando se subexpressou ambas as enzimas ao mesmo tempo, houve um aumento significativo na quantidade de lipídeos neutros da célula. Além disso, essa linhagem transgênica foi submetida à escassez de nitrogênio, o que acentuou ainda mais esse resultado. Enquanto em meio normal a diferença entre a quantidade de lipídeos foi de 1,5 vezes, em escassez de nitrogênio essa diferença foi de aproximadamente 3 vezes, corroborada pela diferença nos níveis de expressão gênica, que também foi em torno de 3 vezes. Além disso, a linhagem transgênica também mostrou um aumento em cada um dos ácidos graxos analisados individualmente, revelando uma grande quantidade de todos os tipos de C16 e C18, ácidos graxos importantes para que o biodiesel se adeque ao regulamento da Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis. Apesar de maior quantidade de lipídeos em relação à linhagem selvagem, a nova linhagem transgênica Dupla-ICL-MS-anti não mostrou nenhum efeito deletério crítico. Tanto a produção de biomassa, quanto a quantidade de clorofila a, proteínas totais e carboidratos totais se mantiveram estáveis após a introdução da mutação. Esses resultados sugerem que as enzimas do ciclo do glioxilato, sabidamente ligadas ao catabolismo de ácidos graxos, podem ser utilizadas como alvos promissores para a otimização de linhagens já utilizadas comercialmente na produção de biodiesel.
The environmental impacts caused by gases emitted from burning fossil fuels and their manipulation, combined with rising fuel prices, has stimulated demand for new renewable resources and developing new green technologies that support the industry and market needs. Biofuels are biodegradable and renewable resources, which come out to be an economically viable alternative. However, the current generation of biofuels has some disadvantages, such as: use of fertile soils and competition with the food industry, once it uses crops such as soybeans, corn and sugar cane, products of extreme economic importance to the producing countries. For these reasons, there is a growing interest in exploring other possible raw materials, especially those that are geared exclusively for power generation. In this context, microalgae have shown to be a very interesting option. These organisms have a high potential because they have fast growth rate and the ability to produce large amounts of oil. In addition, biofuel production by these organisms can be optimized for both the modification of culture conditions (biochemical engineering), and through the genetic manipulation of microalgae strains (genetic engineering). In this work, the two strategies have been used in order to increase the amount of lipid produced by the strain CC424 from the model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The metabolic route chosen for genetic manipulation is the glyoxylate cycle, and the two key enzymes of this cycle, isocitrate lyase (icl) and malate synthase (ms), the targets. The plasmid pSL18 was used as a vector of transformation in the microalgae. Six types of transformant strains were obtained, two of them overexpressing the ms and icl genes separately, two underexpressing these genes and two double transformations, one of them overexpressing both genes at the same time the other one underexpressing them. The strain underexpressing both enzymes at the same time, showed a significant increase in the amount of neutral lipids. In this mutant, the shortage of nitrogen led to an even greater increase in these lipids. While in normal media the difference between the amount of lipids was 1.5 times, under nitrogen starvation the difference was approximately 3 times, corroborated by the difference in gene expression levels, which was also about 3 times. Moreover, the mutant strain also showed an increase in each of the individual fatty acids analyzed, revealing a large amount in all kinds of C16 and C18 fatty acids, important for biodiesel that suits the regulation of Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis. Although the mutant Dupla-ICL-MS-anti produces higher amounts of lipids compared to the wild type, the strain showed no critical negative effects. Both the production of biomass and the amount of chlorophylla, total protein and total carbohydrates remained stable after the introduction of the mutation. These results suggest that the enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle, which are linked to the catabolism of fatty acids, can be used as promising targets for the optimization of strains already used commercially in the production of biodiesel.

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Haponska, Monika. "Biorefining of microalgae: from harvesting to biofuel production." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/663366.

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Aquesta tesi es centra en la modernització del procés de bio-refinat de microalgues mitjançant tecnologia de membrana. El projecte busca l'optimització de: recol·lecció, ruptura cel·lular, fraccionament de carbohidrats, proteïnes i lípids i desenvolupament d'un reactor de membrana catalítica per a la transesterificació per obtenir biodièsel. La reducció de costos es pot aconseguir trobant solucions més barates i millors per a cada pas. En la primera etapa, es va realitzar la filtració utilitzant membranes polimèriques d'ABS de fabricació pròpia, així com altres disponibles comercialment, per comprovar el seu rendiment en la deshidratació de microalgues. Aquest estudi inclou la preparació i caracterització de membranes d'ABS usant diferents tècniques. A més, es va realitzar la comparació de dos mètodes de filtració, flux creuat i dinàmic per comparar la viabilitat de les membranes afectades per embrutiment. En la segona etapa, es va realitzar la deshidratació a escala pilot de dues espècies de microalgues, Chlorella sorokiniana i Dunaliella tertiolecta per sedimentació i filtració dinàmica. L'objectiu va ser reduir els costos de deshidratació de microalgues amb un cost menor al de centrifugació. bio-refinat de microalgues aigües avall. En la quarta etapa, es va realitzar la comparació de nous reactors de membrana catalítica i inert per a la producció de biodièsel amb òxid d'estronci com a catalitzador heterogeni. Els principals objectius van ser identificar un catalitzador adequat, triar la tècnica d'immobilització adequada, establir la membrana amb la mida de porus adequat i controlar la reacció i el procés de separació.microalgues amb diferents característiques de paret cel·lular. L'objectiu d'aquest treball va ser millorar el procés de bio-refinat de microalgues aigües avall. En la quarta etapa, es va realitzar la comparació de nous reactors de membrana catalítica i inert per a la producció de biodièsel amb òxid d'estronci com a catalitzador heterogeni. Els principals objectius van ser identificar un catalitzador adequat, triar la tècnica d'immobilització adequada, establir la membrana amb la mida de porus adequat i controlar la reacció i el procés de separació.
Esta tesis se centra en la modernización del proceso de biorefinado de microalgas mediante tecnología de membrana. El proyecto busca la optimización de: recolección, ruptura celular, fraccionamiento de carbohidratos, proteínas y lípidos y desarrollo de un reactor de membrana catalítica para la transesterificación para obtener biodiesel. La reducción de costos se puede lograr encontrando soluciones más baratas y mejores para cada paso. En la primera etapa, se realizó la filtración utilizando membranas poliméricas de ABS de fabricación propia, así como otras disponibles comercialmente, para comprobar su rendimiento en la deshidratación de microalgas. Este estudio incluye la preparación y caracterización de membranas de ABS usando diferentes técnicas. Además, se realizó la comparación de dos métodos de filtración, flujo cruzado y dinámico para comparar la viabilidad de las membranas afectadas por ensuciamiento. En la segunda etapa, se realizó la deshidratación a escala piloto de dos especies de microalgas, Chlorella sorokiniana y Dunaliella tertiolecta por sedimentación y filtración dinámica. El objetivo fue reducir los costos de deshidratación de microalgas con un costo menor al de centrifugación. En la tercera etapa, se estudió la disrupción celular y el fraccionamiento para la recuperación de lípidos, azúcares y proteínas usando explosión de vapor, flujo cruzado y filtración dinámica de membrana. Se probaron varias especies de microalgas con diferentes características de pared celular. El objetivo de este trabajo fue mejorar el proceso de biorrefinado de microalgas aguas abajo. En la cuarta etapa, se realizó la comparación de nuevos reactores de membrana catalítica e inerte para la producción de biodiesel con óxido de estroncio como catalizador heterogéneo. Los principales objetivos fueron identificar un catalizador adecuado, elegir la técnica de inmovilización adecuada, establecer la membrana con el tamaño de poro adecuado y controlar la reacción y el proceso de separación.
his thesis focuses on the modernization of the downstream process of microalgae biorefining by membrane technology. The project concerns the optimization of: harvesting, cell disruption, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids fractionation and development of catalytic membrane reactor for transesterification to obtain biodiesel. Cost reduction of the overall process can be achieved by finding cheaper solutions for each step. In the first stage the filtration using own-made ABS polymeric membranes as well as the commercially available ones was run to check their performance for microalgae dewatering. This study included ABS membranes preparation and characterization using different techniques. Also, the comparison of two filtration methods, cross-flow and dynamic was performed to compare the viability of membranes affected by a fouling and a cake formation. In a second stage, the pilot scale dewatering of two microalgae specie, Chlorella sorokiniana and Dunaliella tertiolecta by sedimentation followed by dynamic filtration was performed. The objective of the combined process was to reduce microalgae dewatering costs since sedimentation offers a very cheap operation and membrane filtration offers total rejection with high final concentrations at a lower cost than centrifugation. In a third stage cell disruption and fractionation for lipids, sugars and proteins recovery was studied. Acid-catalysedT

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Racharaks, Ratanachat. "Cultivation of Nannochloropsis salina and Dunaliella tertiolecta Using Shale Gas Flowback Water and Anaerobic Digestion Effluent as Cultivation Medium." The Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1406289883.

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Calixto, Clediana Dantas. "Potencial de microalgas regionais cultivadas em meios alternativos para produção de biodiesel." Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 2016. http://tede.biblioteca.ufpb.br:8080/handle/tede/9210.

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Microalgae are microorganisms with high levels of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and various metabolites of interest to biofuel and nutraceutical compounds industry. Despite numerous indications for its use as a source for biodiesel production, there are still scientific and technological obstacles that prevent this large-scale production. So this study aimed to evaluate the potential of microalgae strains, isolated from the Northeast of Brazil, for biodiesel production, taking into account their cell growth rates, fuel properties that each biodiesel present and the development of these species in waste media arising from human and agro-industrial activities. Besides analyzing the metabolic changes during the growth stages of some species through conventional and FTIR techniques. Were identified eight species potentials for biodiesel production: Pediastrum tetras (D121WC), Scenedesmus acuminatus (D115WC), Chlamydomonas sp. (D132WC) Lagerheimia longiseta (D133WC), Amphora sp. (M84C), Monoraphidium contortum (D173WC), Chlorella sp. (D101Z) and Cosmarium sp. (D174WC), whose biomass productivity was high, ranging from 0.28 to 0.95 g L-1 d-1 and the ester contents were up to 2.9 times higher than soybeans. As regards the evaluation of fuel parameters of a possible biodiesel produced by microalgae, statistical analysis discriminated chloroficea D101Z as promising species for all the high lipid productivity, low clogging point value filter cold and sharp little iodine value. However, it was found that among the twelve species studied, only chloroficea Monoraphidium contortum and cyanobacterium Synechococcus nidulans not meet the fuel quality specifications. In studies of alternative culture medium, it was observed that formulations with domestic sewage (MDS) and biocomposts of fruit/horticultural wastes (HB) demonstrated promising results for cultivation, especially of Chlorella sp., Chlamydomonas sp., and Lagerheimia longiseta, which demonstrated productivities superior to those seen when grown on the control media. The highest concentrations of lipids were obtained in medium BH and changes in the biochemical composition and esters profile species were observed by varying the culture medium. It was also verified that the protein, carbohydrate and lipid accumulation occurs so distinct phases and the microalgal growth, particularly when modifying the culture medium. And from this perspective that the FTIR technique has demonstrated effectiveness in monitoring these components, especially lipids, which showed for all samples a direct relationship with the conventional technique. A general way species viable for large scale production, can grow in waste media have been proposed in this study.
As microalgas são micro-organismos que podem apresentar elevados teores de lipídeos, proteínas, carboidratos e diversos metabólitos de interesse à indústria de biocombustível e de compostos nutracêuticos. Apesar das inúmeras indicações para sua utilização como fonte para produção de biodiesel, ainda existem entraves econômicos que inviabilizam esta produção em larga escala. Assim, essa pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a potencialidade de cepas de microalgas, isoladas da região Nordeste do Brasil, para a produção de biodiesel, levando em consideração suas taxas de crescimento celular, as propriedades combustíveis que cada biodiesel apresentaria e o desenvolvimento destas espécies em meios residuais oriundos de atividades humanas e agroindustriais. Além disto, foram analisadas as mudanças metabólicas ocorridas durante as fases de crescimento, de algumas espécies, através de técnicas convencionais e FTIR. Entre as 25 espécies estudadas foram identificadas 8 potenciais para produção de biodiesel: Pediastrum tetras (D121WC), Scenedesmus acuminatus (D115WC), Chlamydomonas sp. (D132WC), Lagerheimia longiseta (D133WC), Amphora sp. (M84C), Monoraphidium contortum (D173WC), Chlorella sp. (D101Z) e Cosmarium sp. (D174WC), com produtividade elevada em biomassa, variando de 0,28 a 0,95 g L-1 d-1, e teores de ésteres de até 2,9 vezes superiores à soja. Quanto à avaliação dos parâmetros combustíveis, de um possível biodiesel produzido pelas microalgas, a análise estatística discriminou a clorofícea D101Z como espécie promissora, por apresentar elevada produtividade lipídica, baixo valor de ponto de entupimento de filtro a frio e índice de iodo pouco acentuado. Entretanto, verificou-se que dentre as 12 espécies em estudo, apenas a clorofícea Monoraphidium contortum e a cianobactéria Synechococcus nidulans não atenderiam as especificações de qualidade combustíveis. Nos estudos sobre meios de cultivos alternativos, observou-se que as formulações com esgoto doméstico (ESG) e biocomposto hortifrutis (BH) mostraram-se muito promissoras especialmente para Chlorella sp., Chlamydomonas sp. e Lagerheimia longiseta que apresentaram rendimento máximo celular superior ao cultivo controle. As concentrações mais elevadas de lipídeos foram obtidas em meio BH, e alterações na composição bioquímica e no perfil de ésteres das espécies foram observadas ao se variar os meios de cultivo. Constatou-se também, que o acúmulo de proteína, carboidrato e lipídeo ocorre de forma e em fases distintas do crescimento microalgal, principalmente quando se modifica o meio de cultivo. E é nessa perspectiva que a técnica de FTIR demonstrou eficiência no acompanhamento desses componentes, principalmente dos lipídeos, apresentando para todas as amostras uma relação direta com a técnica convencional. De forma geral, espécies viáveis para produção em larga escala, capazes de crescer em meios residuais foram propostas neste estudo.

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Sheets, Johnathon P. "Cultivation of Nannochloropsis Salina in Diluted Anaerobic Digester Effluent under Simulated Seasonal Climatic Conditions and in Open Raceway Ponds." The Ohio State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1373452229.

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Bonnefond, Hubert. "Amélioration de microalgues à vocation énergétique par pression de sélection continue." Thesis, Paris 6, 2015. http://www.theses.fr/2015PA066719/document.

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Le monde fait face à une crise environnementale sans précédent, induite par l’action toujours plus marquée de l’homme sur son milieu. Depuis le début de l’ère industrielle, l’utilisation massive des énergies fossiles, a provoqué un dérèglement climatique planétaire. Les microalgues offrent la possibilité de produire des biocarburants avec une empreinte carbone réduite mais nécessitent encore de nombreuses améliorations pour être économiquement viables. Une de ces améliorations, à l’instar de l’agriculture moderne, réside dans la sélection de souches plus productives. Dans ce travail de thèse, nous avons développé la sélection par pression continue, consistant à utiliser les processus de l’évolution pour faire émerger des populations d’intérêt.Une première voie explorée a consisté à utiliser la température, paramètre crucial de la croissance des microalgues, comme moteur de sélection. En soumettant une culture à des variations diurnes de température durant une année, nous sommes parvenus à adapter une souche de Tisochrysis lutea à une gamme de températures plus large, la rendant donc plus tolérante aux variations de ce paramètre.La seconde voie a cherché à accroitre la capacité de Cylindrotheca closterium à emmagasiner ou au contraire à mobiliser son azote intracellulaire, propriété physiologiquement liée à sa capacité à produire des lipides. En forçant une population de microalgues à s'adapter à des apports discontinus d'azote (succession d'états de satiété et de carence), il a été possible de sélectionner les individus les plus riches en lipides.Enfin, nous avons modifié l'appareil pigmentaire de Tisochrisis lutea pour la rendre plus transparente à la lumière. En soumettant cette espèce à une succession de chocs lumineux, il a été possible de sélectionner les individus possédant les antennes photosynthétiques les plus petites, permettant une productivité accrue
The world faces an unprecedented environmental crisis, led by the action always more marked with the man on its environment. From the beginning of the industrial era, the massive use of the fossil fuels, caused a global climatic disorder

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Moody, Jeffrey W. "Global Evaluation of Biofuel Potential from Microalgae." DigitalCommons@USU, 2014. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/2070.

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Traditional terrestrial crops are currently being utilized as a feedstock for biofuels but resource requirements and low yields limit the sustainability and scalability. Comparatively, next generation feedstocks, such as microalgae, have inherent advantages such as higher solar energy efficiencies, larger lipid fractions, utilization of waste carbon dioxide, and cultivation on poor quality land. The assessment of microalgae-based biofuel production systems through lifecycle, technoeconomic, and scalability assessments has been forced to extrapolate laboratory-scale data due to the immaturity of the technology. This type of scaling leads to large uncertainty in the current near-term productivity potential and ultimately the results from modeling work that rely on this type of modeling. This study integrated a large-scale validated outdoor microalgae growth model that utilizes 21 species and reactor-specific inputs that accurately account for biological effects such as nutrient uptake, respiration, and temperature with hourly historical meteorological data from around the world to determine the current global productivity potential. A global map of the microalgae lipid and biomass productivity has been generated based on the results of annual simulations at 4,388 global locations spread over the seven continents. Maximum annual average yields between 24-27 m3·ha-1·yr-1 are found in Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia with the monthly variability (minimum and maximum) yields of these locations ranging between 14 and 33 m3·ha-1·yr-1. A scalability assessment that leverages geographic information systems data to evaluate geographically realized microalgae productivity, energy consumption, and land availability has been performed highlighting the promising potential of microalgae-based biofuels compared to traditional terrestrial feedstocks. Results show many regions can meet their energy requirements through microalgae production without land resource restriction. Discussion focuses on sensitivity of monthly variability in lipid production compared to annual average yields, biomass productivity potential, effects of temperature on lipid production, and a comparison of results to previous published modeling assumptions.

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Lacerda, Lucy Mara Cacia Ferreira 1982. "Otimização de sistemas de microalgas para mitigação de CO2 e produção de biodiesel : Optimization of microalgae systems for CO2 mitigation and biodiesel production." [s.n.], 2013. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/266635.

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Orientador: Telma Teixeira Franco
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Química
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T04:10:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lacerda_LucyMaraCaciaFerreira_D.pdf: 5787877 bytes, checksum: 81afde238358667a3fdefa912b6c3725 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013
Resumo: O uso de microalgas em processos de mitigação ambiental e produção de energia renovável vêm ganhando destaque, mas a otimização das etapas de "upstream" e "downstream" são essenciais para que a viabilidade técnica e econômica seja alcançada e o processo implementado em escala industrial. As condições que maximizam o crescimento celular, a mitigação de CO2, o acúmulo de lipídios e proporcionam um perfil de ácidos graxos, compatível com a produção de biodiesel de elevada qualidade, foram avaliados em função de diferentes temperaturas (18-42 ºC), disponibilidade de carbono na forma de CO2 (ar-40%), disponibilidade de luz (4-192 ?mol.m-2.s-1) e disponibilidade de nitrogênio na forma de NaNO3 (0,25-1,00 g.L-1). A recuperação da biomassa a partir do processo de floculação foi avaliada em função do tipo de floculante (orgânico e inorgânico), dose do floculante (0,005-0,300 g.L-1), pH (4-11) e concentração celular (0,1-1,0 g.L-1). As condições de cultivo selecionadas foram: 108 ?mol.m-2.s-1, 26,5 ºC, 0,25 g.L-1 de NaNO3 e 8,05 % de CO2, sendo obtidos os seguintes resultados: Xmax/X0=14,78 (razão da concentração celular máxima pela concentração inicial); ?max=1,02 d-1 (máxima velocidade específica de crescimento); ?=0,50 d (duração da fase lag); Pmax=0,58 g.L-1.d-1 (produtividade máxima); Pmean=0,31 g.L-1.d-1 (produtividade média); CBmax=1,06 g.L-1.d-1 (Máxima taxa de incorporação de carbono); CBmean=0,55 g.L-1.d-1 (média da taxa de incorporação de carbono); 50% de lipídios e 90% dos FAMES (ésteres metílicos de ácidos graxos) correspondendo aos principais FAMES do biodiesel (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 e C18:3). A predição da qualidade do biodiesel produzido a partir do óleo de microalga forneceu os seguintes resultados: CN=56 (número de cetano), CFPP = 0,8 °C (ponto de entupimento de filtro a frio), ? = 863 kg/m³ (densidade), II = 97 gI2/100g (índice de iodo), ?HC = 39,2 kJ/g (calor de combustão), OSI = 13,8 h (índice de estabilidade oxidativa), e ? = 3,93 mm².s (viscosidade) estando dentro dos valores especificados pelas normas ANP255/2003, EN14213-14214 e ASTM6751. As condições para eficiências de recuperação (RE) da biomassa superiores a 95% foram: intervalos de pH 4,0 a 11,0 (floculante orgânico); 5,0 a 7,0 (FeCl3) e de 7,0 a 8,0 (Al2(SO4)3; razão de gfloculante/gbiomassa de: 0,08 gorgânico/gbiomassa, 0,40gAl2(SO4)3/gbiomassa. O impacto da disponibilidade de luz no interior de fotobiorreatores foi estimada para diferentes disponibilidades de luz (108-700 ?mol.m-2.s-1) e a partir de dados de concentração celular, concentração de pigmentos e geometria do reator, sendo verificada a perda de aproximadamente 85% da luz disponível na superfície para cultivos com concentração celular de até 2 g.L-1 em fotobiorreatores de 8 cm de diâmetro. A produção de biomassa e bicombustíveis em software comercial SuperPro designer v8.5 fomos simuladas e associadas à análise econômica
Abstract: The use of microalgae in environmental carbon dioxide mitigation processes and renewable energy production are gaining attention, but the optimization of "upstream" and "downstream" process is essential to promote technical and economic feasibility and make with the industrial scale became true. The conditions that maximize biomass growth, carbon dioxide mitigation, lipid content, and produce a fatty acid profile suitable for a high quality biodiesel was evaluated as function of different temperatures (18-42 ºC), carbon availability as CO2 (air-40%), light intensity (4-192 ?mol.m-2.s-1), and nitrogen availability as NaNO3 (0.25-1.00 g.L-1). Biomass harvesting using flocculation process was evaluated as function of flocculant type (organic and inorganic), flocculant dosage (0.005-0.3 g.L-1), pH (4-11), and biomass concentration (0.1-1.0 g.L-1). The selected conditions were: 108 ?mol.m-2.s-1, 26.5 ºC and 8.05% de CO2, with the following results: Xmax/X0=14.78 (maximum and initial cell concentration ratio); ?max=1.02 d-1 (maximum specific growth rate), ?=0.50 d (lag phase duration); Pmax=0.58 g.L-1.d-1 (maximum productivity); Pmean=0.31 g.L-1.d-1 (mean productivity); CBmax=1.06 g.L-1.d-1 (maximum carbon incorporation rate); CBmean=0.55 g.L-1.d-1 (mean carbon incorporation rate); 50% of lipid content, and 90% of samples FAMES (fatty acid methyl ester) corresponding to the mainly biodiesel FAMES (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 e C18:3). Biodiesel quality prediction using samples of microalgae oil show the following results: CN=56 (cetane number), CFPP = 0.8 °C (could filter plugging point), ? = 863 kg/m³ (density), II = 97 gI2/100g (iodine index), ?HC = 39.2 kJ/g (heat of combustion), OSI = 13.8 h (oil stability index), and ? = 3.93 mm².s (viscosity), and the values were compatible with different quality standards ASTM-D6751, EN14214/14213, and ANP 255/2003. Recovery efficiency (RE) of 95% or more can be obtained with pH 4,0 to 11,0 (organic flocculant); 5,0 to 7,0 (FeCl3), and 7,0 to 8,0 (Al2(SO4)3; gflocculant/gbiomass of: 0,08gorganic/gbiomass, 0,40gAl2(SO4)3/gbiomass). The impact of light availability in the center of photobioreactor was predicted as function of cell concentration, pigments concentration and photobioreactor design, being observed approximately 85% of loss in the incident light availability in cultures is less than 2 g.L-1. Biomass production process and biofuels production process were simulated using a commercial software SuperPro Designer v8.5 followed by economic analysis
Doutorado
Processos em Tecnologia Química
Doutora em Engenharia Quimica

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Mathew, Domoyi Castro. "Improving microalgae biofuel production : an engineering management approach." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2014. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/9304.

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The use of microalgae culture to convert CO2 from power plant flue gases into biomass that are readily converted into biofuels offers a new frame of opportunities to enhance, compliment or replace fossil-fuel-use. Apart from being renewable, microalgae also have the capacity to utilise materials from a variety of wastewater and the ability to yield both liquid and gaseous biofuels. However, the processes of cultivation, incorporation of a production system for power plant waste flue gas use, algae harvesting, and oil extraction from the biomass have many challenges. Using SimaPro software, Life cycle Assessment (LCA) of the challenges limiting the microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) biofuel production process was performed to study algae-based pathway for producing biofuels. Attention was paid to material use, energy consumed and the environmental burdens associated with the production processes. The goal was to determine the weak spots within the production system and identify changes in particular data-set that can lead to and lower material use, energy consumption and lower environmental impacts than the baseline microalgae biofuel production system. The analysis considered a hypothetical transesterification and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) transformation of algae-to- biofuel process. Life cycle Inventory (LCI) characterisation results of the baseline biodiesel (BD) transesterification scenario indicates that heating to get the biomass to 90% DWB accounts for 64% of the total input energy, while electrical energy and fertilizer obligations represents 19% and 16% respectively. Also, Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) results of the baseline BD production scenario show high proportional contribution of electricity and heat energy obligations for most impact categories considered relative to other resources. This is attributed to the concentration/drying requirement of algae biomass in order to ease downstream processes of lipid extraction and subsequent transesterification of extracted lipids into BD. Thus, four prospective alternative production scenarios were successfully characterised to evaluate the extent of their impact scenarios on the production system with regards to lowering material use, lower energy consumption and lower environmental burdens than the standard algae biofuel production system. A 55.3% reduction in mineral use obligation was evaluated as the most significant impact reduction due to the integration of 100% recycling of production harvest water for the AD production system. Recycling also saw water demand reduced from 3726 kg (freshwater).kgBD- 1 to 591kg (freshwater).kgBD- 1 after accounting for evaporative losses/biomass drying for the BD transesterification production process. Also, the use of wastewater/sea water as alternative growth media for the BD production system, indicated potential savings of: 4.2 MJ (11.8%) in electricity/heat obligation, 10.7% reductions for climate change impact, and 87% offset in mineral use requirement relative to the baseline production system. Likewise, LCIA characterisation comparison results comparing the baseline production scenarios with that of a set-up with co-product economic allocation consideration show very interesting outcomes. Indicating -12 MJ surplus (-33%) reductions for fossil fuels resource use impact category, 52.7% impact reductions for mineral use impact and 56.6% reductions for land use impact categories relative to the baseline BD production process model. These results show the importance of allocation consideration to LCA as a decision support tool. Overall, process improvements that are needed to optimise economic viability also improve the life cycle environmental impacts or sustainability of the production systems. Results obtained have been observed to agree reasonably with Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, with the production scenario proposing the exploitation of wastewater/sea water to culture algae biomass offering the best result outcome. This study may have implications for additional resources such as production facility and its construction process, feedstock processing logistics and transport infrastructure which are excluded. Future LCA study will require extensive consideration of these additional resources such as: facility size and its construction, better engineering data for water transfer, combined heat and power plant efficiency estimates and the fate of long-term emissions such as organic nitrogen in the AD digestate. Conclusions were drawn and suggestions proffered for further study.

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Amaral, Joana Sofia Constantino. "SnRK families in Chlamydomonas: promising targets for bioproduction." Master's thesis, Universidade de Aveiro, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10773/14762.

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Mestrado em Biologia Aplicada
Given the great world energy demand and the environmental costs associated to fossil fuels use, it is imperative to find a CO2 neutral, sustainable, and renewable energy source. Microalgae are one of the most studied biofuel feedstock, mainly because they produce considerable amounts of energetic compounds (TAG and starch) and other valuable secondary metabolites (such as pigments, vitamins, and bioplastic). Currently, a two-phase cultivation strategy including a stress imposition step is used to accumulate interesting compounds for biofuel production. However, microalgae cell growth is often reduced, requiring longer cultivation times, and stress imposition techniques are still expensive, which represent high costs for the microalgal biofuel production process. In order to make it profitable, a biorefinery approach must be used, combining the extraction of energetic molecules and high value-added by-products. However, biomass supply continues to represent a major limiting factor. To overcome this limitation, the study of the metabolic and regulatory networks involved in stress response is essential so that potential targets for bioengineering can be identified. This would allow either the maintenance of cell growth under stress conditions or the mimicking of a stress condition by coupling a gene of interest to a promoter induced by a simple stimulus, reducing production costs. Therefore, the model microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtti was used to study the involvement of SnRK protein kinases in stress response. This family is highly associated to plant stress response mechanisms. A few studies also report its involvement in Chlamydomonas stress response, although little is known about it. We identified and classified Chlamydomonas SnRK based on sequence and domain structure similarities with the SnRK sequences described in Arabidopsis using bioinformatic tools. Moreover, its expression patterns were evaluated by RT-qPCR under a wide range of stress conditions in order to look for target genes that might be involved in Chlamydomonas stress response pathways. By using bioinformatic tools 19 SnRK genes coding for 20 proteins from 4 subfamilies (SnRK1, its regulatory subunits, and two groups of SnRK2 proteins) were identified. Surprisingly, the plant-specific SnRK3 subfamily was not found in Chlamydomonas. The analysis of SnRK expression patterns under a wide range of stresses by RT-qPCR identified SnRK2.9 as a potential candidate for future studies as its response was specific to heat stress. Also SnRK2.12 and SnRK2.7 seem to have an important role in mediating Iron deficiency and oxidative stress, respectively, according to the mining of available RNA-seq data. Furthermore, from the stresses studied, UV radiation showed interesting results as it led to lipid accumulation and it is a stimulus that can be applied inexpensively. This work represents a great advance in microalgal and stress biology research since that, although SnRK are a key group of protein kinases for biotechnology, this family was never described before in microalgae.

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Heredia, Marquez Arturo Vadimir. "Optimization of Biofuel production in Solar conditions by Microalgae." Thesis, Nantes, 2020. http://archive.bu.univ-nantes.fr/pollux/show.action?id=18448c0c-925d-408f-abdd-9a7cb9c7da82.

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La biodiversité des microalgues offre un grand nombre d'espèces pouvant être utilisées comme source de sucres et de triacylglycérol pour biocarburants. Parachlorella kessleri et Nannochloropsis gaditana sont deux souches prometteuses pour cet usage. Différentes dynamiques d’accumulation en sucres et TAG ont été mesurés en avant pour ces deux souches, menant à un potentiel différent d'énergie totale récupérable. P. kessleri a montré un bon potentiel pour le biodiesel et un fort potentiel pour le bioéthanol, contrairement à N. gaditana qui nécessite une optimisation préférentielle de la production et de la récupération de TAG pour le biodiesel, principalement en raison d’un plus forte teneur en TAG mais aussi de l'augmentation de la résistance mécanique dans des conditions de stress et des cycles jour-nuit. Il a été proposé un protocole pour produire du TAG sous limitation d'azotée, cycles jour-nuit et mode de production continu. Dans le cadre de ce dernier protocole, les TAG libérés pour l'extraction par voie humide ont été de 1,4 g/m2-j. Le processus d'extraction humide en soit a également été optimisé. Le broyage des billes a permis de détruire 80 % des cellules carencées pour un temps de séjour d'environ 6 minutes. Ensuite, l’extraction centrifuge en continu a permis de récupérer les 84 % de TAG libérés en utilisant 8,9 ml/min de 2-méthyltétra- hydrofurane. Ces résultats ont été intégrés dans une simulation du procédé global, permettant d'identifier les opérations critiques basé sur l’analyse du NER, ainsi qu’en proposant une double récupération de biocarburants liquides (BioEthanol + BioDiesel)
Microalgae biodiversity offers large number of species with the potential to be used as source of carbohydrates and triacylglycerol for biofuels. Parachlorella kessleri and Nannochloropsis gaditana are two promising strains for biofuel production. The different dynamics of carbohydrates and TAG accumulation for both strains, exposed also different potential of total recoverable energy for biofuels. P. kessleri showed a good potential for biodiesel and high potential for bioethanol; in contrast to N. gaditana which presented larger TAG content but also requires a preferential optimization on the TAG production and recovery for biodiesel mainly because of the increase in mechanical resistance during stress conditions and day-night cycles. It was proposed a protocol to produce TAG under nitrogen limitation, day-night cycles and continuous production mode. Under the latter protocol, released TAG for the Wet-extraction downstream were 1.4 g/m2·d. Downstream wet-extraction process was also optimized. Bead milling disrupted 80\% of the starved cells in ~6 min residence time. Then, by the following continuous centrifugal extraction, it was recovered the 84% of released TAG using 8.9 mL/min of 2-methyl-tetra-hydrofuran. These results were integrated in a whole-process simulation, allowing to identify the critical operations based on NER analysis, and proposing, as well, a double liquid biofuel recovery (BioEthanol + BioDiesel)

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Osundeko, Olumayowa. "Sustainable production of biofuel from microalgae grown in wastewater." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2014. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/sustainable-production-of-biofuel-from-microalgae-grown-in-wastewater(e23b193b-3552-476d-be66-dbf69878dd47).html.

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Algae have been the centre of recent research as a sustainable feedstock for fuel because of their higher oil yield in comparison to other plant sources. However, algae biofuel still performs poorly from an economic and environmental perspective due to the high reliance on freshwater and nutrients for cultivation, among other challenges. The use of wastewater has been suggested as a sustainable way of overcoming these challenges because wastewater can provide a source of water and nutrients for the algae. Moreover, the ability of the algae to remove contaminants from wastewater also enhances the total economic output from the cultivation. However, the success of this strategy still depends greatly on efficient strain selection, cultivation and harvesting. Therefore, this PhD thesis has focussed on strain isolation, characterisation, optimisation and cultivation in open pond systems. Five algae strains were isolated from wastewater treatment tanks at a municipal water treatment plant in North West England. The isolated strains were morphologically and genetically characterised as green single-celled microalgae: Chlamydomonas debaryana, Hindakia tetrachotoma, Chlorella luteoviridis, Parachlorella hussii and Desmodesmus subspicatus. An initial screening of these strains concluded that C. luteoviridis and P. hussii were outstanding in all comparisons and better than some of the strains previously reported in the literature. Further tests carried out to elucidate the underlying tolerance mechanisms possessed by these strains were based on stress tolerance and acclimation hypotheses. In the following experiments, C. luteoviridis and P. hussii were found to have higher anti-oxidant enzyme activity that helps in scavenging reactive oxygen species produced as a result of exposure to wastewater. This result provides a new argument for screening microalgae strains for wastewater cultivation on the basis of anti-oxidant activity. In addition, the two strains could grow heterotrophically and are better adapted to nutrient deficiency stress than the other three isolates. In order to understand the role of microalgae acclimation in wastewater cultivation, strains identical or equivalent to the wastewater treatment tank isolates were obtained from an algae culture collection. These strains had not been previously exposed to wastewater secondary effluent. The initial growth of these strains in wastewater secondary effluent was very poor. However, after two months of acclimation to increasing concentrations of secondary wastewater effluent, it was observed that growth, biomass and lipid productivities of most of the strains were significantly improved, although still not as high as the indigenous strains. Therefore, it was concluded that continuous acclimation is an additional factor to the successful growth of algae in wastewater. Furthermore, addition of 25% activated sludge centrate liquor to the secondary effluent was found to increase algal growth and biomass productivity significantly. Futher tests to examine the continous cultivation of C. luteoviridis and P. hussii in wastewater showed that a biomas productivity of 1.78 and 1.83 g L-1 d-1 can be achieved on a continual basis. Finally, the capability of C. luteoviridis and P. hussii for full seasonal cultivation in a 150 L open pond in a temperate climate was studied, using the optimised secondary wastewater +25% liquor medium. Each strain was capable of growth all year including in autumn and winter but with strongest growth, productivity and remediation characteristics in the summer and spring. They could maintain monoculture growth with no significant contamination or culture crash, demonstrating the robustness of these strains for wastewater cultivation in a northern European climate.

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Rocha, Luciana Nascimento. "ESTUDO DA CONCENTRAÇÃO DE BIOMASSSA DE MICROALGAS POR FILTRAÇÃO E FLOCULAÇÃO." Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 2010. http://www.bdtd.uerj.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=2575.

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O cultivo de microalgas é uma matéria prima para produção de biocombustível e de captura de carbono devido a vantagens como alta produção de biomassa e rápido crescimento quando comparado com outras fontes de energia e não necessitar de terra fértil. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar métodos de concentração da biomassa. A microalga utilizada foi a Isochrysis galbana. Os cultivos tiveram duração de 20 dias e concentração inicial de 7.104 cel/mL no meio de cultivo F2/Guillard. e foram realizados em fotobioreatores de 500 mL, 3 L e 12 L. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em foto-período de 12 h claro/escuro, com temperatura de 27 a 29 C. Ao final dos cultivos, as amostras foram levadas para a sequência de processos de separação. Inicialmente, foram realizados ensaios de microfiltração em membrana com porosidade de 0,45 m em procedimento do tipo dead-end e constatou-se a rápida e intensa formação de camada de fouling. Acrescentou-se uma etapa de separação por floculação preliminar à microfiltração, utilizando-se Al2(SO4)3 como agente floculante. O meio coagulado foi então filtrado e microfiltrado. O estudo combinado das 3 etapas de separação possibilitou 99% de remoção de biomassa.O teor de óleo obtido foi de 22,4%. Portanto, o trabalho apresenta uma configuração de concentração da biomassa Isochrysis galbana visando o processo de produção de biocombustíveis
The cultivation of microalgae is a feedstock for biofuel production and carbon sequestration due to advantages such as high-biomass production and, fast growth when compared to other energy sources and does not require fertile land. This work aimed to study methods for biomass concentration. The microalgae used was Isochrysis galbana. The cultivation lasted 20 days and initial concentration of 70,000 cells / mL F2/Guillard culture medium and were performed in. Photobioreactors of 500 mL, 3 L and 12 L. The experiments were conducted in photoperiod of 12 h light / dark, temperature of 27-29 C. At the end of cultivation, samples were taken for the sequence of separation processes Initially, tests were performed on microfiltration membrane with 0.45 μm pore diameter in a dead-end procedure, and the rapid and intense formation of fouling layer was noted. One step of preliminary separation by flocculation previous to microfiltration was added to the process, using Al2(SO4)3 as flocculant agent. The coagulated medium was then filtered and microfiltered. The combined study of three separation steps allowed 99% removal of biomassa.O oil content obtained was 22.4%. Therefore, the work presents a configuration in biomass concentration of Isochrysis galbana aiming at the process of production of biofules

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Longworth, Joseph. "Proteomics in microalgae : a postgenomic approach for improved biofuel production." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2013. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/5035/.

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Proc?pio, Zaniel Souto Dantas. "Avalia??o da produ??o de biodiesel de microalga Isochrysis galbana via transesterifica??o in situ." Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 2014. http://repositorio.ufrn.br:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/15855.

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Microalgae are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that grow rapidly and in different environmental conditions due to their simple cellular structure. The cultivation of microalgae is a biological system capable of storing solar energy through the production of organic compounds via photosynthesis, and these species presents growth faster than land plants, enabling higher biomass yield. Thus, it is understood that the cultivation of these photosynthetic mechanisms is part of a relevant proposal, since, when compared to other oil producing raw materials, they have a significantly higher productivity, thus being a raw material able to complete the current demand by biodiesel . The overall aim of the thesis was to obtain biofuel via transesterification process of bio oil from the microalgae Isochrysis galbana. The specific objective was to estimate the use of a photobioreactor at the laboratory level, for the experiments of microalgae growth; evaluating the characteristics of biodiesel from microalgae produced by in situ transesterification process; studying a new route for disinfection of microalgae cultivation, through the use of the chemical agent sodium hypochlorite. The introduction of this new method allowed obtaining the kinetics of the photobioreactor for cultivation, besides getting the biomass needed for processing and analysis of experiments in obtaining biodiesel. The research showed acceptable results for the characteristics observed in the bio oil obtained, which fell within the standards of ANP Resolution No. 14, dated 11.5.2012 - 18.5.2012. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the photobioreactor designed meet expectations about study culture growth and has contributed largely to the development of the chosen species of microalgae. Thus, it can be seen that the microalgae Isochrysis galbana showed a species with potential for biodiesel production
As microalgas s?o organismos microsc?picos fotossintetizantes que crescem rapidamente e em diferentes condi??es ambientais devido a sua simples estrutura celular. O cultivo de microalgas ? um sistema biol?gico capaz de armazenar energia solar, atrav?s da produ??o de compostos org?nicos via processo fotossint?tico, sendo que a maioria das esp?cies apresenta crescimento mais r?pido que as plantas terrestres, possibilitando maior rendimento de biomassa. Assim, compreende-se que o cultivo desses mecanismos fotossintetizantes se insere numa proposta relevante, uma vez que, quando comparados a outras mat?rias primas produtoras de ?leo, apresentam uma produtividade significativamente maior, sendo, portanto, uma mat?ria-prima capaz de completar a demanda atual de biodiesel. O objetivo geral da disserta??o foi a obten??o do biocombust?vel via processo de transesterifica??o do bio-?leo obtido a partir da microalga Isochrysis galbana. O estudo ainda teve por objetivos espec?ficos estimar o uso de um fotobiorreator em n?vel laboratorial, para realiza??o de experimentos de crescimento de microalgas; avaliar as caracter?sticas do biodiesel produzido por processo de transesterifica??o in situ da microalga; estudar uma nova rota para desinfec??o deste meio de cultura, por meio do uso do agente qu?mico hipoclorito de s?dio. Com a introdu??o deste novo m?todo foi poss?vel obter a cin?tica de crescimento do cultivo para o fotobiorreator, al?m de obter a biomassa necess?ria para transforma??o nos experimentos de an?lise e obten??o do biodiesel. A pesquisa apontou resultados aceit?veis para as caracter?sticas verificadas no bio-?leo obtido, o qual se enquadrou nos padr?es da resolu??o ANP N?14, de 11.5.2012 DOU 18.5.2012. Al?m disso, demonstrou-se que o fotobiorreator projetado atendeu ?s expectativas no que concerne ao crescimento do cultivo estudado e contribuiu amplamente para o desenvolvimento da esp?cie de microalga escolhida. Dessa maneira, pode-se constatar que a microalga Isochrysis galbana se mostrou uma esp?cie com potencial para a produ??o de biodiesel

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Loria, Mark Henry II. "Microalgal-Bacterial Consortia for Biofuel Production and Wastewater Treatment." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1510234025755737.

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Shurtz, Benjamin K. "Nutrient and Carbon-Dioxide Requirements for Large-Scale Microalgae Biofuel Production." DigitalCommons@USU, 2013. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/1759.

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Growing demand for energy worldwide has increased interest in the production of renewable fuels, with microalgae representing a promising feedstock. The large-scale feasibility of microalgae based biofuels has previously been evaluated through technoeconomic and environmental impact assessments, with limited work performed on resource requirements. This study presents the use of a modular engineering system process model, founded on literature, to evaluate the nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) and carbon dioxide resource demand of five large-scale microalgae to biofuels production systems. The baseline scenario, representative of a near-term large-scale production system includes process models for growth, dewater, lipid extraction, anaerobic digestion, and biofuel conversion. Optimistic and conservative process scenarios are simulated to represent practical best and worst case system performance to bound the total resource demand of large-scale production. Baseline modeling results combined with current US nutrient availability from fertilizer and wastewater are used to perform a scalability assessment. Results show nutrient requirements represent a major barrier to the development of microalgae based biofuels to meet the US Department of Energy 2030 renewable fuel goal of 30% of transportation fuel, or 60 billion gallons per year. Specifically, results from the baseline and optimistic fuel production systems show wastewater sources can provide sufficient nutrients to produce 3.8 billion gallons and 13 billion gallons of fuel per year, corresponding to 6% and 22% of the DOE goal, respectively. High resource demand necessitates nutrient recovery from the lipid-extracted algae, thus limiting its use as a value-added co-product. Discussion focuses on system scalability, comparison of results to previous resource assessments, and model sensitivity of nutrient and carbon dioxide resource requirements to system parameter inputs.

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Adesanya, Victoria Oluwatosin. "Investigation into the sustainability and feasibility of potential algal-based biofuel production." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2014. https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.708126.

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Wang, Yue. "Microalgae as the Third Generation Biofuel：Production, Usage, Challenges and Prospects." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för geovetenskaper, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-210995.

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Microalgae refer to a kind of autotrophic microorganism with rich nutrition and high photosynthetic utilization degree, which are widely living in the sea and land. Microalgae can be converted into bio energy such as biogas, biodiesel and bio oil. This thesis presents a review on the different cultivation methods and energy conversion techniques of microalgae. Through comparison with other biomass feedstocks, the advantages and disadvantages of microalgae are detailed. Since the large scale of microalgae bioenergy production has not been achieved yet, the commercial production requirements and the sustainability of microalgae are analysed. As a result, high lipid content, less cultivated land use and short life time circle are thought to be the typical advantages of microalgae that it can be considered as a potential substitute of fossil fuel.

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Kousha, Sepehr. "Mikroalger som behandlingsmetod för avloppsreningsverk : möjliga systemkonfigurationer och förutsättningar för high rate algal pond (HRAP) system i Sverige." Thesis, Högskolan Kristianstad, Fakulteten för naturvetenskap, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-22226.

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Syftet var att finna en biologisk behandlingsmetodik för avloppsvatten som skullekunna reducera utsläpp av näringsämnen till recipienten Humlebäcken frånavloppsreningsverket (ARV) i Nyvång. Nyvångs reningsverk planeras uppgraderas och utökas och därtill har ärendet nekats då utsläpp till Humlebäcken förfaras bli för höga. Mikroalger som behandlingsmetod för avloppsvatten undersöktes via litteraturanalys ibåde svenska klimat och vid uppskalning. Det kunde inte hittas metodik eller teknik för att på industriell skala använda mikroalger till behandling av avloppsvatten idag. Dock presenteras flera olika tekniker som kan kopplas samman för ökad effektivitet. Vidare finns det stor potential om att mikroalgssystem kan kopplas samman med andra industriers spillvärme och rökgaser för ökad produktion av biomassa och rening av rökgas. Andra former av kemisk försedimentering och anaerob behandling från Energipositiv Rening presenteras, möjligheten finns att dessa kan kopplas samman med mikroalgssystem för komplett behandling till lägre kostnader av konventionell behandlingsteknik. Till slut presenteras påverkande faktorer vid nordiska klimat och utmaningar i form av striktare reningskrav och återföring av slam. Det presenteras kort om andra biologiska tekniker som svampodling och multitrofiskt vattenbruk vilka kan kopplas samman medmikroalgssystem för ökad resurseffektivitet och högre reningsgrad. Se figur 18 förgrafisk summering.
The purpose was to find a biological treatment method for wastewater which could reduce emissions of nutrients to the recipient Humlebäcken from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Nyvång. Since Nyvång WWTP plans to upgrade and expand have been denied for fears of further contamination of Humlebäcken. Microalgae as a treatment method was examined in this literature analysis for Swedish climates and upscaling. For industrial purposes no technique or method could befound which could be applied to wastewater currently. Several techniques are presented however in the hopes that in combining them a higher efficiency might beachieved. If microalgae systems could be integrated with waste heat and flue gas from industry, then higher productivity could be achieved whilst reducing emissions from the flue gas. Other forms of pre-sedimentation and anaerobic treatment methods from EnergyPositive Purification systems are presented as there's a possibility these can be connected to microalgae systems for complete treatment and less costs. Factors which affect microalgae cultivation in Nordic climates and challenges in terms of stricter emission requirements and reuse of sludge are presented lastly. Other biological treatment methods like mushroom and multi-trophic aquaculture which can be integrated to microalgae systems are shown in hopes of achieving higher resource efficiency and pollution reduction. See figure 18 for graphical abstract.

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Barnard, Anro. "Extraction of oil from algae for biofuel production by thermochemical liquefaction / Anro Barnard." Thesis, North-West University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/3979.

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The extraction of oil from microalgae was investigated. The study focused on the hydrothermal liquefaction of the microalgae Microcystis aeruginosa, Cyclotella meneghinia and Nitzschia pusilla. M. aeruginosa was collected from the Hartebeespoort dam, while C. meneghinia and N. pusilla were cultured in the laboratory. The experiments were conducted in a high pressure autoclave with an inert atmosphere. Sodium carbonate was studied as a potential catalyst. The hydrothermal liquefaction of M. aeruginosa, C. meneghinia and N. pusilla was carried out at various reaction temperatures and catalyst loads. For the liquefaction of M. aeruginosa the residence times were also varied. The reaction temperatures ranged from 260 to 340 °C, while the catalyst loads varied between 0 and 10 wt% Na2CO3. The residence time was varied between 15 and 45 minutes. The study showed that hydrothermal liquefaction of M. aeruginosa produced a maximum oil yield of 15.60 wt% at 300 °C, whereas the thermochemical liquefaction of C. meneghinia and N. pusilla produced maximum yields of 16.03 wt% and 15.33 wt%, respectively, at 340 °C. The residence time did not influence thermochemical liquefaction of the algae, while an increase in the catalyst load reduced the oil yield. The reaction conditions had no effect on the elemental composition or the calorific value of the thermochemical liquefaction oil. The calorific value of the hydrothermal liquefaction oils ranged from 28.57 to 35.90 MJ.kg -1 . Hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae produced oil that can be used as substitute for coal in simple gasification processes. The study showed that microalgal blooms, such as the M. aeruginosa blooms of the Hartebeespoort dam, can be used for the extraction of oil through hydrothermal liquefaction.
Thesis (M.Ing. (Chemical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

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Bennion, Edward P. "Lifecycle Assessment of Microalgae to Biofuel: Thermochemical Processing through Hydrothermal Liquefaction or Pyrolysis." DigitalCommons@USU, 2014. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/2341.

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Microalgae have many desirable attributes as a renewable energy recourse. These include use of poor quality land, high yields, and it is not a food recourse. This research focusses on the energetic and environmental impact of processing microalgae into a renewable diesel. Two thermochemical bio-oil recovery processes are analyzed, pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). System boundaries include microalgae growth, dewatering, thermochemical bio-oil recovery, bio-oil stabilization, conversion to renewable diesel, and transportation to the pump. Two system models were developed, a small-scale experimental and an industrial-scale. The small-scale system model is based on experimental data and literature. The industrial-scale system model leverages the small scale system model with scaling and optimization to represent an industrial-scaled process. The HTL and pyrolysis pathways were evaluated based on net energy ratio (NER), defined here as energy consumed over energy produced, and global warming potential (GWP). NER results for biofuel production through the industrial-scaled HTL pathway were determined to be 1.23 with corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of -11.4 g CO2 eq (MJ renewable diesel)-1. Biofuel production through the industrial-scaled pyrolysis pathway gives a NER of 2.27 and GHG emissions of 210 g CO2 eq (MJ renewable diesel)-1. For reference, conventional diesel has an NER of 0.2 and GHG emissions of 18.9 g CO2 eq MJ-1 with a similar system boundary. The large NER and GHG emissions associated with the pyrolysis pathway are attributed to feedstock drying requirements and combustion of co-products to improve system energetics. Process energetics with HTL and pyrolysis are not currently favorable for an industrial scaled system. However, processing of microalgae to biofuel with bio-oil recovery through HTL does produce a favorable environmental impact and a NER which is close to the breakeven point of one.

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Hounslow, Emily P. H. "Salt stress in two Chlamydomonas species : novel insights into biofuel production from microalgae." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2016. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/14397/.

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This thesis aims to find ways of increasing lipid content in algal biomass for biofuel production, by using complimentary metabolomic and proteomic data to increase understanding of the mechanisms that control lipid accumulation. Salt stress was investigated as a potential lipid trigger in two microalgae: a starchless mutant (CC-4325) of the model species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the snow alga Chlamydomonas nivalis. Gas chromatographic fatty acid (FA) analysis of both algae grown in a range of salt concentrations revealed a complex relationship between salinity and lipid accumulation in the two species. iTRAQ proteomic analysis was used to study the molecular mechanisms of each species under salt stress. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii showed little accumulation of lipids under salt stress, but some changes in lipid profile. Part of these analyses have been published in a study by Hounslow et al. (2016a). Chlamydomonas nivalis cells showed a large increase over time of the monounsaturated FA C18:1cis when grown in 0.2 M NaCl. As monounsaturated FAs are one of the best FA types for biofuel properties, an increase in this FA is ideal for biofuel production. Use of C. nivalis as a homologous species to C. reinhardtii revealed novel proteomic analysis of lipid accumulation in this species, and a comparison of the proteomic responses of both species under salt stress was used to elucidate why salt triggers lipid accumulation in one species but not the other. Most notably, the rate-limiting enzyme in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, acetyl CoA-carboxylase, was found to be down-regulated in C. reinhardtii cultures in 0.2 M NaCl, but was not affected in C. nivalis cultures in 0.2 M NaCl. A number of enzymes involved in the availability of acetyl CoA for fatty acid synthesis were differently affected by salt stress in the two species. Halotolerance appears to play an important role in the ability of cultures to accumulate lipids under salt conditions. The work in this thesis has contributed to two recent publications. The problem of reliable lipid quantification techniques for microalgae was discussed using experimental data and is addressed in a comprehensive published review by Hounslow et al. (2016b). This review includes analysis of method requirements and construction of decision trees to guide future researchers.

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Szaub, J. B. "Genetic engineering of green microalgae for the production of biofules and high value products." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2013. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1384821/.

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A major consideration in the exploitation of microalgae as biotechnology platforms is choosing robust, fast-growing strains that are amenable to genetic manipulation. The freshwater green alga Chlorella sorokiniana has been reported as one of the fastest growing and thermotolerant species, and studies in this thesis have confirmed strain UTEX1230 as the most productive strain of C. sorokiniana with doubling time under optimal growth conditions of less than three hours. Furthermore, the strain showed robust growth at elevated temperatures and salinities. In order to enhance the productivity of this strain, mutants with reduced biochemical and functional PSII antenna size were isolated. TAM4 was confirmed to have a truncated antenna and able to achieve higher cell density than WT, particularly in cultures under decreased irradiation. The possibility of genetic engineering this strain has been explored by developing molecular tools for both chloroplast and nuclear transformation. For chloroplast transformation, various regions of the organelle’s genome have been cloned and sequenced, and used in the construction of transformation vectors. However, no stable chloroplast transformant lines were obtained following microparticle bombardment. For nuclear transformation, cycloheximide-resistant mutants have been isolated and shown to possess specific missense mutations within the RPL41 gene. Such a mutant allele should prove useful as a dominant marker. Genetic engineering of the chloroplast genome has been well established for another microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This system was exploited in three biotechnological applications: 1) generation of alkane producing strains by introducing genes encoding for acyl reductase and aldehyde decarbonylase. 2) expression of a vaccine candidate major capsid protein L1 of the human papillomavirus. 3) expression of a potent HIV-inactivating protein cyanovirin-N. In all cases, stable transformant lines were obtained and molecular analysis confirmed the successful integration of the transgenes into the genome. The detailed biochemical analysis of the lines is presented in the thesis.

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Valigore, Julia Marie. "Microbial (Microalgal-Bacterial) Biomass Grown on Municipal Wastewater for Sustainable Biofuel Production." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Civil and Natural Resources Engineering, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/5661.

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High biomass productivity and efficient harvesting are currently recognised challenges in microbial biofuel applications that were addressed by this research using ecological engineering principles and an integrated systems approach. Microbial (microalgal-bacterial) biomass was grown in laboratory reactors using municipal wastewaters from the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant (CWTP) in New Zealand. Reactors were inoculated with native microbes, fed with primary and secondary treated wastewaters, and subjected to various hydraulic and solids retention times (i.e., 1.4- to 9-d HRT and 4- to 80-d SRT, respectively) under cold, warm, and ambient climate conditions. Biomass settleability and productivity (i.e., settleable productivity) were sequentially improved over the course of experiments to optimise settleable productivity at 21 g/m2/d on average using primary treated wastewater, 2-d HRT, 12-d SRT, and warm climatic conditions. Secondary treated wastewater was a poor substrate most likely because of low C, elevated pH, and supersaturated oxygen levels limiting growth. Biomass recycling generally improved settleable productivity of primary treated wastewater cultures since productivity increased at short HRT and settleability increased at longer SRT. No overriding trends were found relating productivity or settleability to biomass ecology or biochemistry. Growth rate modelling of warm climate cultures indicated that heterotrophy was mostly C limited at long (≥ 4-d) HRT and DO limited at short (≤ 2-d) HRT of primary treated wastewater while photoautotrophy was probably always light limited. Nevertheless, almost 50% greater C fixation was achieved using these systems compared to conventional activated sludge systems. Cold climate cultures, with up to 66% less biomass than warm climate cultures, were limited by lower light and/or temperature (i.e., 13 °C mean water temperature with 410 μmol/m2/s photosynthetically active radiation [PAR] for 9.6 h/d vs. 21 °C mean water temperature with 925 μmol/m2/s PAR for 14.7 h/d). Biomass settleability was facilitated by microbial aggregation into stable, compact flocs over time and also by bioflocculation during 1-h sedimentation periods. These mechanisms were largely influenced by wastewater loading and microbial growth rate, but also to a lesser extent by monitoring methods (i.e., light, duration, and sedimentation container). Settleability of primary treated wastewater cultures was mainly greater than 70% and more consistent when operated at longer SRT and shorter HRT compared to only 22% on average for secondary treated wastewater cultures. Symbiotic growth of native microalgae and bacteria promoted efficient O2/CO2 exchange to improve productivity and enhanced natural floc formation to improve settleability while requiring low energy inputs and providing some wastewater treatment. These capabilities greatly increased the biomass’ sustainability for biofuel production compared to other feedstocks. This research demonstrated the value of biomass recycling to concurrently achieve greatest productivity and settleability to maximise harvestable yield since the overall growth rate of more total biomass was reduced at longer SRT which thereby facilitated excellent floc formation and sedimentation at shorter HRT. The resulting biomass was best suited for biofuel conversion pathways such as anaerobic digestion or thermochemical liquefaction. Potential other uses included animal feed and fertiliser since biomass was harvested without additional chemicals.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Microalgae biofuels'

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