The Effect of CO2 on Algal Growth in Industrial Waste Water for Bioenergy and Bioremediation Applications

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081631
• Publication Date: 2013-11-22T22:57:46Z
• Authors: David A. Roberts; Rocky de Nys; Nicholas A. Paul
• Keywords: Science; Q; R; Industrial Waste; Carbon Dioxide; Wastewater; 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; FoR multidisciplinary; 6. Clean water; 12. Responsible consumption; Biodegradation, Environmental; 13. Climate action; Microalgae; Medicine; Queensland; Research Article; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

The energy, mining and mineral processing industries are point sources of metal-contaminated waste water carbon dioxide (CO2). Freshwater macroalgae from the genus Oedogonium can be grown in to generate biomass for bioenergy applications concomitantly bioremediate metals. However, interactions between CO2 addition algal growth, which affect bioremediation, remain untested. cultures Ash Dam Water (ADW) a coal-fired power station increased productivity sp. 6.8 g dry weight (DW) m-2 d-1 maximum 22.5 DW d-1. greater rate bioremediation most elements. over time carbon-amended experienced decline productivity. Possible explanations include metal toxicity at low pH or essential trace element limitation as result competition toxic elements uptake into algae. Higher yielded more applications, making maintenance central aim integrated culture model. To do so it will necessary resolve mechanisms responsible declining yields cultures. Regardless, our data demonstrate that freshwater ideal candidates streams. Algal delivered significant improvement ADW quality, reducing 5 were initially excess quality criteria (Al, As, Cd, Ni Zn) meet guidelines within two four weeks.