Techno-economic study of multi-product resource scenarios for Pleurochrysis carterae grown in open ponds in Western Australia

Abstract

Western Australia has one of the best climates to grow microalgae for energy and food. However, the economic viability of microalgae cultivation and use is very limited in the current market condition. To overcome this barrier, a multi-product resource plan needs to be developed in order to improve the overall economics. The following work investigates the annual yield of Pleurochrysis carterae in terms of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and calcites in moderate climate zones of Western Australia. A raceway pond is considered for the cultivation of microalgae. Based on the results of the analysis, three scenarios are devised for the economic assessment. The study includes the extraction of bio-oil, generation of biogas from wastes, production of proteins and carbohydrates for animal feed and fishmeal, and the formation of coccoliths as a source of biomaterial to produce specialised ceramics, nano-materials, synthetic bones, and teeth. The analysis shows that the production of fishmeal from the protein and carbohydrates along with oil extraction and coccoliths as high-value calcite biomaterial is economically attractive. The yield can be considerably improved if the temperature of the media could be controlled

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Last time updated on 09/07/2019

This paper was published in Research Repository.

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