Pilot scale microalgae harvesting by a membrane: cross flow vs. submerged membrane

Ermis H., Koyuncu İ., Altınbaş M.

DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT, vol.211, pp.391-398, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 211
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.5004/dwt.2021.26365
  • Journal Name: DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Geobase, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.391-398
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Harvesting microalgal biomass is a major challenge because of their small size, their density, and their low concentration in the culture medium. Thus, the energy inputs to the cultivation/harvesting processes are high, and often exceed the energy content of the microalgal biomass itself. In this study, the cross-flow membrane and submerged membrane systems were installed to raceway ponds, and the harvesting yields were compared. The highest algal concentration reached by submerged membrane system which was 10.44 g/L; and by cross-flow membrane system maximum biomass reached was 6.99 g/L, which corresponds to concentrate 6 and 4.2 fold, respectively.