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Influences of cellular characteristics and media properties on membrane microalgal harvesting: a comparative study using Scenedesmus acuminatus cultivated at a pilot scale
Author(s) -
Liu Rui,
Chen Yong,
Wang Lan,
Gong Yingchun,
Zhang Xuezhi,
Park Min Sung,
Hu Qiang
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of chemical technology and biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1097-4660
pISSN - 0268-2575
DOI - 10.1002/jctb.5948
Subject(s) - backwashing , exopolymer , membrane , chemistry , membrane fouling , biofouling , environmental chemistry , fouling , chemical engineering , biology , biochemistry , bacteria , mechanical engineering , engineering , inlet , genetics
BACKGROUND In order to reveal the influence of cellular characteristics and media properties on membrane microalgal harvesting, changes in the cellular characteristics and media properties of Scenedesmus acuminatus culture contaminated by microzooplankton were characterized, and their influences on membrane harvesting were compared with the control culture. Cells and algogenic organic matter (AOM) in the contaminated and control cultures were fractionated to evaluate the membrane fouling potential. RESULTS The contaminated culture had a 32% lower average flux than control culture. Both the fractionated cells and AOM in the contaminated culture with or without concentration adjustment had higher membrane fouling potentials. Microzooplankton contamination caused more cell aggregates and transparent exopolymer particles, which formed less permeable cake layer. Increased AOM in contaminated culture contained more carbohydrates and humic/fulvic acid‐like substances, which caused a 15.5‐fold higher adhesion force between AOM and the membrane surface, and thus resulted in higher flux declining rates and lower backwashing recovery rates. CONCLUSION Microzooplankton contamination caused the formation of cell aggregates and high concentration of AOM in S. acuminatus culture. AOM played a more important role than microalgal cells in flux declining and backwashing recovery. It is necessary to develop cultivation practice and culture pretreatment techniques to improve membrane harvesting efficiency. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry