Evaluation of the potential of commercial use of microalgae in the world and in Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate of the microalgae potential for commercial application, in particular to conduct experimental study of biogenic compounds removal from sewage waters by microalgae, and to calculate economical benefits from biofertizers and biofuel production. Design/methodology/approach Experimental study in the concentration change of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the cultivation of Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae in various types of sewage water was carried out. Findings The efficiency wastewater treatment by microalgae was confirmed. The economic benefit from the biomass utilization as biofuel production was calculated. Practical implications Implementation of wastewater treatment technology with biomass recycling for biofuel and biofertilizers production will minimize the impact on the environment. Originality/value As a results of experimental studies, the ability of microalgae to reduce biogenic elements in wastewater was confirmed. Microalgae can be used both for wastewater treatment to biogenic elements removal, such as phosphorous and nitrogen compounds, and biofuel, biofertilizers production. Prospects of the commercial use of microalgae are obvious. They are specially adapted to an environment dominated by viscous forces.

Improving the photobioreactor operation efficiency in the technological scheme of wastewater treatment

“…1. Euglena gracilis (HPDP-114) microalgae strain was experimentally cultivated in artificial sewage water with different concentrations of phosphates: 4, 7, and 14 mg/dm 3 . It was shown that phosphates were removed from sewage water (residual concentration: 0…0.55 mg/dm 3 ) during the cultivation period (four days).…”

“…The studied strain was obtained from the Bank of Microalgae Cultures of the Institute of Hydrobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Artificial sewage water was prepared according to the recipe of biogenic culture medium containing 0.4 g/dm 3 magnesium sulfate solution (MgSO 4 ×7H 2 O); 0.05 g/dm 3 calcium chloride solution (CaCl 2 ×2H 2 O); 0.1 g/dm 3 sodium chloride (NaCl); 5 g/dm 3 glucose; 1 g/dm 3 α-glutamic acid; 1 g/dm 3 trace element solution; 1g/dm 3 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution with iron ions (Fe-EDTA). To create a concentration of biogenic elements close to the concentration in real sewage water, potassium dihydro orthophosphate KH 2 PO 4, and ammonium chloride NH 4 Cl were added to the culture medium in different amounts to achieve different phosphorus concentrations.…”

“…Inoculum of the adapted Euglena gracilis (HPDP-114) strain was mixed with three artificial sewage water samples with different concentrations of phosphorus in a ratio of 1:10. After mixing, the initial concentration of microalgae in each sewage water sample was 120 mg/dm 3 . The mixtures for cultivation were placed in 0.5 dm 3 clear glass flasks.…”

“…The metabolism results in the absorption of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds, carbon dioxide, and light energy [2]. The resulting biomass can be used for manufacturing various products [3].…”

“…Since initial cell concentration and culture condition were the same (120 mg/dm 3 ), this suggests that there is a direct relationship between phosphorus concentration in the culture medium and the biomass increment. The biomass increment grows with concentration increment within 4…14 mg/dm 3 .…”