Single-step dynamic dewatering of microalgae from dilute suspensions using flocculant assisted filtration.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dewatering constitutes a major challenge to the production of microalgae, accounting for 20-30% of the product cost. This presents a setback for the applicability of microalgae in the development of several sustainable products. This study presents an investigation into the dynamic dewatering of microalgae in a combined flocculation-filtration process. The effect of process conditions on the performance of 12 flocculants and their mixtures was assessed.

Results

The mechanism of flocculation via the electrostatic path was dominated by charge neutralization and subsequently followed bridging in a 'sweep flocculation' process. Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) based flocculants recorded the highest biomass retention with PAM1 and PAM2 attaining 99 and 98% retention with

SUBMITTER: Musa M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7716443 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature