Optimization of flocculation conditions for Botryococcus braunii using response surface methodology

Biodiesel from microalgae is recognized as a desirable, renewable biofuel to replace petroleum-derived transport fuels. However, the efficient harvesting of microalgae is a major hurdle for commercialization. Therefore, the development of a cost-effective harvesting method is essential to reduce pro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied phycology 2013-06, Vol.25 (3), p.875-882
Main Authors: Kim, Dong-Geol, Oh, Hee-Mock, Park, Yong-Ha, Kim, Hee-Sik, Lee, Hyung-Gwan, Ahn, Chi-Yong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
analysis of variance
biodiesel
Biofuels
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biotechnology
Botryococcus
Botryococcus braunii
commercialization
Ecology
Flocculation
Freshwater & Marine Ecology
harvesting
Life Sciences
Microalgae
mixing
Plant Physiology
Plant Sciences
production costs
response surface methodology
screening
Variance analysis
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Summary:Biodiesel from microalgae is recognized as a desirable, renewable biofuel to replace petroleum-derived transport fuels. However, the efficient harvesting of microalgae is a major hurdle for commercialization. Therefore, the development of a cost-effective harvesting method is essential to reduce production cost. A partial factorial design was used to screen the main factors involved, which were the concentration of FeCl₃, the bioflocculant, and the time of slow mixing. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to further investigate the optimal conditions for these factors on flocculation of Botryococcus braunii. Analysis of variance and other relevant tests confirmed the validity of the suggested model. The optimal conditions inferred from the obtained equation were 0.79 mM FeCl₃, 0.58 % (v/v) bioflocculant, and 180 sec of slow mixing for 1.1 g DCW L⁻¹ of B. braunii. The flocculating activity under these conditions was 90.6 %. By using RSM, the optimal conditions for flocculation of B. braunii could be reached more quickly and efficiently.
ISSN:0921-8971
1573-5176
DOI:10.1007/s10811-012-9948-4