Harvesting techniques applied to microalgae: A review

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Ana I. Barros (Author) Other; Ana L. Gonçalves (Author) FEUP; Manuel Simões (Author) FEUP; José C. M. Pires (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Vol. 41

Pages: 1489-1500

ISSN: 1364-0321

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 313 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 406 Citations

INSPEC

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Process engineering > Bioprocess engineering ; Technological sciences > Engineering > Project engineering

FOS: Engineering and technology > Environmental engineering

Associated Projects

LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-37S

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2014.09.037

Abstract (EN): Research studies on microalgae have increased in the last decades due to the wide range of applications associated to these photosynthetic microorganisms. Microalgae are an important source of oils and other biomolecules that can be used in the production of biofuels and high-valued products. However, the use of microalgae in these green processes is still not economically viable. One of the main costs associated to microalgal production is related to the harvesting process, as it usually accounts for about 20-30% of total cost. Therefore, this review focuses on the main harvesting processes applied to microalgae, presenting the main advantages and disadvantages of each method, to allow the selection of an appropriate procedure to effectively separate microalgal biomass from the culture medium. To reduce the associated costs, it is common to harvest microalgae in a two-step separation: (i) thickening procedures, in which microalgal slurry is concentrated to about 2-7% of total suspended solids; and (ii) dewatering procedures, which result in the concentration of microalgal slurry to 15-25% of total suspended solids. Selection of the adequate harvesting methods depends on the characteristics of the target microorganism and also on the type and value of the end product.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12