Application of Algae as a Biomass Feedstock Source at a Waste Water Treatment Facility
Klaus Dölle *
Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering (PBE), College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), State University of New York (SUNY), One Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
Catherine Watkins
Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering (PBE), College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), State University of New York (SUNY), One Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Algae species Cladophora glomerata and Vaucheria are growing in a trickling filter in the secondary treatment process at a Waste Water Treatment Facility. This study investigates the role of the algae and its potential application a as biomass feed source for renewable energy production with and without growth media. Utilizing different growth media, growth rates were found to be the highest on Styrofoam and plastic media. Phragmites australis bundles were found to have the most pragmatic application for both growth and harvest. C. glomerata exhibited the highest amounts of lipids, or total organic extracts (TOE).
Keywords: Algae, autotrophic, lipids, total organic extracts, eutrophication, and phosphorus