Characterization and Performance of Algal Biofilms for Wastewater Treatment and Industrial Applications

This study was carried out on algal biofilms grown using rotating algal biofilm reactors (RABRs) with the aim of: i) characterizing their growth in terms of photosynthetic activity and morphology ii) evaluating their performance as a wastewater treatment option and a feedstock for biofuels production, and iii) examining the algal-bacteria interactions. A review of algal biofilm technologies currently employed in wastewater treatment processes was made to compare nutrient removal efficiencies, factors that influenced algal biofilm growth, and the different bioproducts generated from algal biomass. Consequently, research efforts were directed towards addressing pertinent issues identified in literature in order to optimize these systems for wastewater treatment and bioproducts production. Successful growth of algal biofilms in municipal wastewater and subsequent removal of nutrients from the wastewater was demonstrated. Photosynthetic and respiration rates observed with depth of the biofilm were influenced by the biofilm composition (single vs. mixed species), culturing conditions (laboratory vs. outdoor), orientation to the light, nitrogen availability (N-replete vs. N-deplete), and dissolved inorganic carbon availability (presence or absence of bicarbonate). Slight enhancement in lipid production was also observed as a result of nitrogen stress and bicarbonate addition. However, the accumulated lipids were not as much as expected or as reported in suspended cultures. Presence of bacteria positively influenced microalgae growth in the mixed cultures but the reverse was not true. In conclusion, photosynthetic activity and biofilm structure were characterized with methods developed for the algal biofilms in this study. For now, productivity of the algal biofilms needs to be maximized in order to fully utilize its potential as a biofuel feedstock and nutrient removal option. Further research on algae-bacteria interactions using species native to the wastewater grown algal biofilms is recommended

Sustainable Management of Duckweed Biomass Grown for Nutrient Control in Municipal Wastewaters

The use of duckweed as a nutrient removal option for municipal wastewaters can only be realized through regular plant harvesting. As a result, the nutrient-rich biomass generated needs to be effectively managed and disposed of. This study looked at three alternative options for biomass management that would make duckweed-based nutrient removal systems sustainable and attractive to small communities like Wellsville City, Utah. The options included: the use of harvested duckweed biomass as an animal feed, anaerobic digestion of duckweed for methane production, and fermentation of biomass for ethanol production. Duckweed feed quality was determined using feed analysis reports and results from digestibility studies (in vitro fermentation). The performance of the anaerobic digestion process was determined by monitoring pH, VS, TS, NH4-N, VFAs, and alkalinity. The ethanol production yields were obtained from starch content values and ethanol concentrations observed from batch fermentation experiments. Duckweed was composed of 21 - 38% crude protein, 94 - 96% water, 78.5% organic matter, \u3c 10% starch and an average of 19% starch after accumulation by nutrient starvation. Relative feed values (RFVs) of 230 - 241, crude protein content of 21-38%, and neutral and acid detergent fiber values of 30.2% and 13.7%, respectively, showed duckweed as a potential feed for ruminants comparable to alfalfa and corn silage (RFVs of 100). Digester performance showed an average methane yield of 6.3 and 5.8 ft3/lb VS destroyed with methane composition values of 67.1% and 62.5% for fresh DW fed reactor (R1) and air dried DW fed reactor (R2), respectively. The ethanol production yield observed was less than 100 mg ethanol/g DW for both fresh and oven dried DW samples. The recommended duckweed biomass management option for a small community like Wellsville is anaerobic digestion because it is a source of energy and at the same time the digestate can be used as a low-quality feed

Using Duckweed to Remove Phosphorus and Improve Water Quality

Our research is evaluating how sustainable and practical duckweed is as a treatment option for removing phosphorus from wastewater lagoons which ultimately improves the water quality of streams and reservoirs downstream. Duckweed grows naturally in many climates including northern Utah and requires phosphorus to sustain its fast growth rate. After duckweed uptakes phosphorus from the wastewater and into its biomass, the harvested biomass may then be converted into methane or used as an animal feed. Our research is measuring duckweed growth rates in the lab and field, phosphorus removal rates, methane production by anaerobic digestion of duckweed, and potential to use duckweed as an animal feed. Advantages and disadvantages of each option are discussed in this presentation