Use of response surface method for modeling and optimization of harvesting of Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 with Fe3O4/PACl from municipal wastewater

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Babol Noshirvani University of Technology

2 Babol noshirvani university of technology

3 Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, 47148-7313 Babol, Iran.

Abstract

Microalgae have the potential to produce valuable substances for pharmaceutical purposes as well as serve as a food source, providing bioactive compounds and ingredients for cosmetics. However, harvesting microalgae is a crucial step in the mass production of various high-value products derived from microalgae. This process often becomes a major bottleneck in downstream processing. It is essential to find effective and cost-effective harvesting methods for industrial applications. Among several harvesting methods, magnetic flocculation offers the benefits of modest operation, energy savings, and quick separation. This study investigates the harvesting process of Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 microalgae using a novel flocculation process involving nano-Fe3O4 coated with PACl. In this research, we have used the chemical co-precipitation method to prepare nanoparticles. Using the response surface method to optimize the most important parameters of the magnetic flocculation harvesting process to check the microalgae removal efficiency, three variables of time, concentration of nanomaterials, and pH in the culture medium obtained from municipal wastewater have been investigated. The results demonstrated that the highest harvesting efficiency, nearly 90%, was achieved under the conditions of 3.5 g/L Fe3O4, a constant concentration of 0.075 g/L PACl, a harvesting duration of 40 minutes, and a pH level of 4. On the other hand, the lowest microalgae harvesting efficiency was observed under specific conditions: a composite nanoparticle concentration of 0.5 g/L per liter, a harvesting time of 27.5 minutes, and a pH of 6.5 resulting in a mere 22% efficiency. The rate of microalgal removal increased from 53% in the most alkaline condition to 75% in the most acidic environment. The highest harvesting efficiency, reaching 80%, was achieved under neutral pH conditions with a settling time of 53 minutes. Furthermore, the investigated combined method investigated enhances the flocculation effectiveness of microalgae. Based on the findings, it can be inferred that the efficiency of microalgae harvesting rises with longer duration, higher nanoparticle concentrations, and lower pH levels

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

[1] L. Xu, C. Guo, F. Wang, S. Zheng, C.-Z. Liu, A simple and rapid harvesting method for microalgae by in situ magnetic separation, Bioresource technology, 102(21) (2011) 10047-10051.
[2] Z.T. Khanzada, S. Övez, Microalgae as a sustainable biological system for improving leachate quality, Energy, 140 (2017) 757-765.
[3] C. Tang, X. Gao, D. Hu, D. Dai, M. Qv, D. Liu, L. Zhu, Nutrient removal and lipid production by the co-cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus dimorphus in landfill leachate diluted with recycled harvesting water, Bioresource Technology, 369 (2023) 128496.
[4] X. Quan, R. Hu, H. Chang, X. Tang, X. Huang, C. Cheng, N. Zhong, L. Yang, Enhancing microalgae growth and landfill leachate treatment through ozonization, Journal of Cleaner Production, 248 (2020) 119182.
[5] J. Adewumi, F.O. Ajibade, The pollution effects of indiscriminate disposal of wastewater on soil in semi-urban area, Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 19(3) (2015) 412-419.
[6] B. Shahi Khalaf Ansar, E. Kavusi, Z. Dehghanian, J. Pandey, B. Asgari Lajayer, G.W. Price, T. Astatkie, Removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from the air, soil, and water by algae, Environmental Science and Pollution Research,  (2022) 1-29.
[7] A.K. Patel, P. Kumar, C.-W. Chen, V.S. Tambat, T.-B. Nguyen, C.-Y. Hou, J.-S. Chang, C.-D. Dong, R.R. Singhania, Nano magnetite assisted flocculation for efficient harvesting of lutein and lipid producing microalgae biomass, Bioresource technology, 363 (2022) 128009.
[8] S.M. Shaikh, M.K. Hassan, M.S. Nasser, S. Sayadi, A.I. Ayesh, V. Vasagar, A comprehensive review on harvesting of microalgae using Polyacrylamide-Based Flocculants: Potentials and challenges, Separation and Purification Technology, 277 (2021) 119508.
[9] L.-D. Zhu, E. Hiltunen, Z. Li, Using magnetic materials to harvest microalgal biomass: evaluation of harvesting and detachment efficiency, Environmental technology, 40(8) (2019) 1006-1012.
[10] A. Ortiz, M.J. García-Galán, J. García, R. Diez-Montero, Optimization and operation of a demonstrative full scale microalgae harvesting unit based on coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation, Separation and Purification Technology, 259 (2021) 118171.
[11] M.G. Savvidou, M.M. Dardavila, I. Georgiopoulou, V. Louli, H. Stamatis, D. Kekos, E. Voutsas, Optimization of microalga Chlorella vulgaris magnetic harvesting, Nanomaterials, 11(6) (2021) 1614.
[12] S. Li, T. Hu, Y. Xu, J. Wang, R. Chu, Z. Yin, F. Mo, L. Zhu, A review on flocculation as an efficient method to harvest energy microalgae: mechanisms, performances, influencing factors and perspectives, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 131 (2020) 110005.
[13] A. Pugazhendhi, S. Shobana, P. Bakonyi, N. Nemestóthy, A. Xia, G. Kumar, A review on chemical mechanism of microalgae flocculation via polymers, Biotechnology Reports, 21 (2019) e00302.
[14] C.N. Ogbonna, E.G. Nwoba, Bio-based flocculants for sustainable harvesting of microalgae for biofuel production. A review, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 139 (2021) 110690.
[15] F. Wang, C. Guo, H.Z. Liu, C.Z. Liu, Immobilization of Pycnoporus sanguineus laccase by metal affinity adsorption on magnetic chelator particles, Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology: International Research in Process, Environmental & Clean Technology, 83(1) (2008) 97-104.
[16] J.Y. Seo, K. Lee, R. Praveenkumar, B. Kim, S.Y. Lee, Y.-K. Oh, S.B. Park, Tri-functionality of Fe3O4-embedded carbon microparticles in microalgae harvesting, Chemical Engineering Journal, 280 (2015) 206-214.
[17] Y. Fu, F. Hu, H. Li, L. Cui, G. Qian, D. Zhang, Y. Xu, Application and mechanisms of microalgae harvesting by magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), Separation and Purification Technology, 265 (2021) 118519.
[18] S.-M. Taghizadeh, A. Berenjian, K.W. Chew, P.L. Show, H.F. Mohd Zaid, H. Ramezani, Y. Ghasemi, M.J. Raee, A. Ebrahiminezhad, Impact of magnetic immobilization on the cell physiology of green unicellular algae Chlorella vulgaris, Bioengineered, 11(1) (2020) 141-153.
[19] Z. Yin, L. Zhang, D. Hu, S. Li, R. Chu, C. Liu, Y. Lv, J. Bao, M. Xiang, L. Zhu, Biocompatible magnetic flocculant for efficient harvesting of microalgal cells: Isotherms, mechanisms and water recycling, Separation and Purification Technology, 279 (2021) 119679.
[20] K. Gerulová, A. Bartošová, L. Blinová, K. Bártová, M. Dománková, Z. Garaiová, M. Palcut, Magnetic Fe3O4-polyethyleneimine nanocomposites for efficient harvesting of Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella ellipsoidea and Botryococcus braunii, Algal research, 33 (2018) 165-172.
[21] J.Y. Seo, R. Praveenkumar, B. Kim, J.-C. Seo, J.-Y. Park, J.-G. Na, S.G. Jeon, S.B. Park, K. Lee, Y.-K. Oh, Downstream integration of microalgae harvesting and cell disruption by means of cationic surfactant-decorated Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, Green Chemistry, 18(14) (2016) 3981-3989.
[22] J.K. Pittman, A.P. Dean, O. Osundeko, The potential of sustainable algal biofuel production using wastewater resources, Bioresource technology, 102(1) (2011) 17-25.
[23] P. Asadi, H.A. Rad, F. Qaderi, Comparison of Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella sorokiniana pa. 91 in post treatment of dairy wastewater treatment plant effluents, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26 (2019) 29473-29489.
[24] A. Rad, The effect of Magnesium Aminoclay (MgAC) nanomaterials on Chlorella sorokiniana pa. 91 native microalgae growth in Sari culture medium, Modares Civil Engineering journal, 22(4) (2022) 121-156.
[25] A. Tamadoni, F. Qaderi, Optimization of soil remediation by ozonation for PAHs contaminated soils, Ozone: Science & Engineering, 41(5) (2019) 454-472.
[26] L. Pérez, J.L. Salgueiro, R. Maceiras, Á. Cancela, Á. Sánchez, An effective method for harvesting of marine microalgae: pH induced flocculation, Biomass and Bioenergy, 97 (2017) 20-26.
[27] J.A. Gomes, P. Daida, M. Kesmez, M. Weir, H. Moreno, J.R. Parga, G. Irwin, H. McWhinney, T. Grady, E. Peterson, Arsenic removal by electrocoagulation using combined Al–Fe electrode system and characterization of products, Journal of hazardous materials, 139(2) (2007) 220-231.
[28] S.-F. Han, W. Jin, R. Tu, S.-H. Gao, X. Zhou, Microalgae harvesting by magnetic flocculation for biodiesel production: current status and potential, World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 36 (2020) 1-10.
[29] T. Mathimani, N. Mallick, A comprehensive review on harvesting of microalgae for biodiesel–key challenges and future directions, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 91 (2018) 1103-1120.
[30] Y. Zhao, X. Wang, X. Jiang, Q. Fan, X. Li, L. Jiao, W. Liang, Harvesting of Chlorella vulgaris using Fe 3 O 4 coated with modified plant polyphenol, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25 (2018) 26246-26258.
[31] X. Wang, Y. Zhao, X. Jiang, L. Liu, X. Li, H. Li, W. Liang, In-situ self-assembly of plant polyphenol-coated Fe3O4 particles for oleaginous microalgae harvesting, Journal of environmental management, 214 (2018) 335-345.
[32] S. Bharte, K. Desai, Harvesting Chlorella species using magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, Phycological Research, 67(2) (2019) 128-133.
[33] P. Liu, T. Wang, Z. Yang, Y. Hong, X. Xie, Y. Hou, Effects of Fe3O4 nanoparticle fabrication and surface modification on Chlorella sp. harvesting efficiency, Science of the Total Environment, 704 (2020) 135286.
Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering
Volume 56, Issue 2
2024
Pages 181-202

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics