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Recycled wastewater from anaerobic digestion of lipid extracted algae as a source of nutrients

Journal Article · · Fuel
 [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States); University of Arizona
  2. Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States)

Nutrient supply, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, is one of the main obstacles limiting industrialization of algal biofuel. To help enhance nutrient utilization efficiency, our research focused on recycling of nutrients from lipid extracted algae biomass by the method of anaerobic digestion. Two methods of lipid extraction were performed, nutrients were released during anaerobic digestion of the lipid extracted biomass, the recycled nutrients were collected for algae cultivation, and the cycle was repeated: cultivation-extraction-digestion-cultivation. The findings reflect that anaerobic digestion released nitrogen and phosphorus, and released methane as a by-product. The algae grew well on the recycled nutrients. Ammonia is the limiting macro element, and extra trace elements enhanced algae production as well. Ash free dry weight, lipid content and lipid components were monitored and did not vary when the cycle was repeated. This system for recycling nutrients with supplementary nutrients holds potential for producing biofuel from algae.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Bioenergy Technologies Office (EE-3B)
Grant/Contract Number:
EE0006269
OSTI ID:
1580752
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1538285
OSTI ID: 1495547
Journal Information:
Fuel, Journal Name: Fuel Journal Issue: C Vol. 210; ISSN 0016-2361
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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