Application of aqueous alkaline extraction to remove ash from algae harvested from an algal turf scrubber

Bioproducts from high-protein algal biomass: an economic and environmental sustainability review and risk analysis

“…In most instances, the biomass will be high ash (>50% of the harvested material), with varying proportions of biogenic and abiogenic ash. 118 The high ash content of this biomass interferes with biological and chemical biomass processing. Recently, a new application of an alkaline pretreatment process was developed to remove most of the ash from algal biomass harvested from algal turf scrubber systems, yielding a primarily high-protein biomass feedstock.…”

“…Recently, a new application of an alkaline pretreatment process was developed to remove most of the ash from algal biomass harvested from algal turf scrubber systems, yielding a primarily high-protein biomass feedstock. 118 The biomass composition has not been described in the literature in detail, because the organic component makeup is a function of the algae communities that were present in the attached algae growth systems. For example, polyunsaturated fatty acids for high-value applications may need species-specific cultivation, and similarly, high carbohydrate or lipid content traditionally required for bioenergy applications will be dependent on the algae species.…”

Periphytic biomass composition and exploitation from algae turf scrubber system

“…In less proportion, there was lipid content in the periphyton. Therefore, this biomass is a feedstock for biofuel with low lipid content typically laden with high levels of ash that can be converted by hydrothermal liquefaction and fermentation due to carbohydrate and protein content [21].…”

Amine‐impregnated silica zeolite from microalgae ash at different calcination temperatures for CO 2 capture

“…Aqueous alkaline was used by Aston et al to extract the ash from algae in an algal turf scrubber. 21 Chen et al 22 used centrifugation and ultrasonic bath methods to reduce the ash content of algae and improve its thermal decomposition characteristics. Although the ash has a harmful impact on microalgae energy utilization, it has the potential to prepare silica materials due to its high SiO 2 content.…”

“…Some researches were conducted to remove and control the ash during the microalgae‐to‐energy process. Aqueous alkaline was used by Aston et al to extract the ash from algae in an algal turf scrubber 21 . Chen et al 22 used centrifugation and ultrasonic bath methods to reduce the ash content of algae and improve its thermal decomposition characteristics.…”