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AlgaeSim : A Model for Integrated Algal Biofuel Production and Wastewater Treatment
Author(s) -
Drexler Ivy L.C.,
Joustra Caryssa,
Prieto Ana,
Bair Robert,
Yeh Daniel H.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
water environment research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.356
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1554-7531
pISSN - 1061-4303
DOI - 10.2175/106143013x13807328849215
Subject(s) - wastewater , photobioreactor , biofuel , biomass (ecology) , sewage treatment , bioproducts , algae fuel , bioenergy , environmental science , aeration , resource recovery , pulp and paper industry , environmental engineering , biodiesel , waste management , ecology , chemistry , engineering , biology , biochemistry , catalysis
AlgaeSim , a dynamic multiple‐systems (C, N, P) mass balance model, was developed to explore the potential for algae biomass production from wastewater by coupling two photobioreactors into the main treatment train at a municipal wastewater resource recovery facility (WRRF) in Tampa, Florida. The scoping model examined the synergy between algae cultivation and wastewater treatment through algal growth and substrate removal kinetics, as well as through macroeconomic analyses of biomass conversion to bioproducts. Sensitivity analyses showed that biomass production is strongly dependent on Monod variables and harvesting regime, with sensitivity changing with growth phase. Profitability was sensitive to processing costs and market prices of products. Under scenarios based on current market conditions and typical algae production, AlgaeSim shows that a WRRF can potentially generate significant profit if algae are processed for biodiesel, biogas, or fertilizer. Wastewater resource recovery facilities could similarly save on operating costs resulting from the reduction in aeration (for nitrification) and chemicals (for denitrification).