Processing of the liquid fraction
Microalgaeculturing in liquid substrates
Objective
Extraction of nutrients and other pollutants from waste streams through their uptake by microalgae cultures (biomass rich in proteins)
Inlets
Liquid pig and cattle manure, products from other processes such as anaerobic digestion and separation technologies
Efficiency
COD reduction between 77-95%. N and P concentration of 46 and 85 times, respectively, compared to manure.
Weaknesses
Cost of the algae harvesting process (especially in suspended biomass and its drying);
In some algal species, the presence of low temperature and high salinity and ammonium concentrations can result in growth inhibition and reduced efficiency;
A very large area is needed for the growth of algae;
The cost of the technology is 36% higher if it is carried out without a previous anaerobic digestion treatment
In some algal species, the presence of low temperature and high salinity and ammonium concentrations can result in growth inhibition and reduced efficiency;
A very large area is needed for the growth of algae;
The cost of the technology is 36% higher if it is carried out without a previous anaerobic digestion treatment
Products
Microalgae biomass with high nutrient content
Other outlets
Regenerated water
Consumption
Energy: Low
Water: Not applicable
Reagents: Not applicable
Investment
Not available.Quantifiable income:€0.25-1.70/kg of dry algae biomass
Operation
€4.5-5.5/kg of recovered nitrogen
Observations
Several experiments have been carried out with different strains of algae for the treatment of manure, with preliminary but promising results.
Combination with other technologies
1. Separation technologies -> Growth of algae in sust. Liquids;
2. Anaerobic digestion -> Separation technologies -> Algae growth in sust. Liquids;
2. Anaerobic digestion -> Separation technologies -> Algae growth in sust. Liquids;
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TRL - 9
Status Consolidated
Complexity Medium
Information made by:
BETA Tech Center