In this research, the potential of geothermal water as an alternative water source was tested for the production of algal bio-fuels. Two algal species, Chlorella Sorokiniana and Dunaliella Tertiolecta were cultivated in a photo-bioreactor with tap water and geothermal water. The freshly harvested wet algae samples were used to produce bio-crude oil samples in a high pressure reactor under a hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) condition (300 C, 90 bar and solid loading of 9 wt %). Supernatant water obtained after harvesting was used in the HTL experiments. A thermogravimetric analyzer was used to determine the moisture and ash content of the algal biomass. It was observed that the bio-crude oil yield could be higher than the lipid content in the algae. The GC-MS analysis of biocrude oils showed the contribution of both lipids and proteins to the yield of biocrude. The highest bio-crude oil yield of 30 wt % (of dry algae) was obtained with a Dunaliella Tertiolecta sample cultivated in a regular tap water medium. A similar amount of biocrude was achieved with a geothermal water medium. Using a calorie meter, the high heating values of bio-crude oils were measured and these values ranged from 36 to 38 MJ/kg, which are close to that of crude petroleum oils. V C 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 910-915, 2013
Adequate energy and available water resources are two of the major requirements for sustaining human progress, yet modern society faces volatile energy availability, prices, and environmental concerns, as well as shortages of drinking water in many parts of the world. Alternative energy produced from biomass such as algae has great potential to utilize sources of water not suitable for consumption. A factorial experiment with CRD (Complete Randomized Design) arrangement was conducted using three growth media: geothermal water, Bold's Basal Medium (BBM), and combination of 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water. The experiments were conducted utilizing three combinations of illumination periods (12:12, 16:8, and 24:0) to grow the algae Chlorella sorokiniana (UTEX 1230). The results indicated significant differences in biomass production rates. Statistical analysis showed that 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water with 16:8 light cycle maximized biomass production. The pH in BBM increased from 7 to 10.37 and was significantly higher than both geothermal water (9.06) and 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water (9.21).
serves as Associate Dean for Outreach and Recruiting in the College of Engineering at New Mexico State University. She received her PhD in industrial engineering and has over 32 years' experience directing statewide engineering outreach services that include technical engineering business assistance, professional development, and educational outreach programs. She is co-PI for a National Science Foundation (NSF) INCLUDES pilot grant, co-PI for a NSF grant to broaden participation in STEM, and was a co-PI for an i6 Challenge grant through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). She is institutional integrator for the Partnership for the Advancement of Engineering Education (PACE) at NMSU, is University Affiliate Director for the NM Project Lead the Way program, and was colead for a NSF funded Pathways to Innovation cohort at NMSU. Currently, Patricia serves as chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), is a member of the executive committee for the NM Consortia for Energy Workforce Development, and a member of the board of directors for Enchantment Land Certified Development Company (a program that certifies SBA 504 loans that foster economic development.) She has extensive experience in economic development particularly efforts that build on collaborative partnerships with business and industry, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance employment opportunities for engineering students.
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