Evaluating Bioflocculation Harvesting of Freshwater and Marine Microalgae Using Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp.
The rising global energy demand and environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have intensified interest in sustainable biofuel sources, with microalgae emerging as a viable candidate due to its high biomass yield and efficient CO<sub>2</sub> conversion. However, the economic fe...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
|
| Series: | Separations |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/11/12/355 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | The rising global energy demand and environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have intensified interest in sustainable biofuel sources, with microalgae emerging as a viable candidate due to its high biomass yield and efficient CO<sub>2</sub> conversion. However, the economic feasibility of microalgal biofuels is currently challenged by costly harvesting processes. This study investigates the use of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) derived from <i>Klebsiella</i> sp. as an environmentally friendly bioflocculant for harvesting two microalgae species: <i>Raphidocelis subcapitata</i> and <i>Dunaliella salina</i>. Comparative flocculation experiments revealed that <i>Klebsiella</i> EPS promotes efficient aggregation in <i>R. subcapitata</i>, achieving over 90% flocculation efficiency, while performance with <i>D. salina</i> was impacted by high salinity, which reduced charge neutralization and bridging effects. Structural analyses using FTIR, 3D-EEM, CLSM, and XPS elucidated the EPS composition, underscoring the roles of polysaccharides and proteins in facilitating microalgal aggregation. The findings indicate that <i>Klebsiella</i> EPS offers a sustainable alternative to chemical flocculants, supporting eco-friendly biofuel production and potential applications in wastewater treatment. This approach provides insights into optimizing EPS-based flocculation for diverse environmental conditions, paving the way for more sustainable biomass recovery practices. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2297-8739 |