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Solar-powered electroflocculation harvesting system for nutraceutical coupled biodiesel production from marine microalga Chlorella vulgaris (NIOT-74)
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  • Thiruppathi Keppayan,
  • Mary Leema,
  • Magesh Peter ,
  • Sreelatha D,
  • Kumar TS,
  • Gopal Dharani,
  • Kirubagaran Ramalingam
Thiruppathi Keppayan
Department of Science and Technology

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Mary Leema
National Institute of Ocean Technology
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Magesh Peter
National Institute of Ocean Technology
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Sreelatha D
National Institute of Ocean Technology
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Kumar TS
National Institute of Ocean Technology
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Gopal Dharani
National Institute of Ocean Technology
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Kirubagaran Ramalingam
National Institute of Ocean Technology
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Abstract

Harvesting of microalgae is essentially the most energy intensive process in commercial algal culture ventures. Developing innovative, cost effective harvesting systems is of paramount need for commercial algal culture ventures. The study thus aimed at investigating the use of eco-friendly Solar Powered Electroflocculation (SPEF) coupled with battery for harvesting marine microalgae using aluminium electrodes. Optimization of various operating parameters like initial algal density, time of operation (5, 10, 15 and 30 min), (initial biomass concentration 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 gL-1) and electrode distance (35, 55, 75 and 95 cms) were done using direct current (D.C). Best flocculation efficiency (91.31 ± 2.91 %) was obtained using a current density of 37.2 Acm-2, a voltage of 24 V for 15 min at an electrode distance of 95 cm and pH 8.0. The quality of the harvested biomass was ascertained in-terms of biochemical components using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, total lipid and pigment profile. Due to the low resistance of seawater the energy required for electroflocculation was as low as 0.223 kWh/ton. The energy requirement for the electroflocculation system with or without solar power was also predicted. The results revealed SPEF can be developed as a potential alternative marine microalgal harvesting system for nutraceutical coupled biodiesel production.
21 Jul 2020Submitted to Biotechnology and Bioengineering
21 Jul 2020Assigned to Editor
21 Jul 2020Submission Checks Completed