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Title: Removal of CO{sub 2} from flue gases by algae. Technical report, December 1, 1992--February 28, 1993

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10151485· OSTI ID:10151485
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Institute of Gas Technology, Chicago, IL (United States)
  2. Illinois Clean Coal Inst., Carterville, IL (United States)

The studies reported here confirmed our preliminary observations that Botryococcus braunii can tolerate and grow well in flue gas CO{sub 2} concentrations of 10 to 15%, and produce oil. The highest extracted oil was observed in 10% CO{sub 2} enriched air. Initial pH of the medium at or near 10 pH is favorable to cell growth probably by stimulating the CO{sub 2} solubilization in the medium. This is also indicated in Botryococcus braunii growth and oil formation in NaHCO{sub 3} added medium. The lack of growth in Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} containing media was probably due to high pH. The CaCO{sub 3} precipitation from the CA{sup ++} gelled alginate beads indicate the need for alternative immobilization systems. But the attachment of the Botryococcus braunii cells to the bottom inner surfaces of the photobioreactors may eliminate the need for gel entrapment systems as the immobilization matrices. Attachment of the Botryococcus braunii cells to the bottom inner surfaces of the photobioreactors, rather than remaining in the suspension, reduces the significance of self shadowing and related liquid height (thickness) effect. The capability of Botryococcus braunii to grow in NaHCO{sub 3} solutions is very encouraging toward development of an alkaline scrubbing system for the flue gas followed by removal of the CO{sub 2} from the alkaline solution. In such a system the pH 10 is the currently observed upper limit.

Research Organization:
Illinois Dept. of Energy and Natural Resources, Springfield, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FC22-92PC92521
OSTI ID:
10151485
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/92521-T6; ON: DE93013625
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 1993
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English