Enhanced bioreactor and ponding configuration for the development of synthesized microalgae of by-products and alternative energy raw materials

Abstract

Malaysia experienced larger palm oil manufacturing with consequences to the high palm oil waste. Attempts have been made to convert this waste into valuable products such as organic fertilizer. However, this waste contains numerous organic materials that usually suitable for microalgae cultivation. Microalgae with improper control may cause negative impacts for environment, especially deteriorate the water quality, if discharges to the environment. The best strategy is to introduce the application SBR (sequence batch reactor) and open ponding systems with an attention to increase the microalgae biomass harvesting via bioflocculent technique. Depending on the microalgae species, various by-products could be extracted from the microalgae biomass such as polysaccharides, triglycerides, and fatty acids, which may useful for alternative energy raw material, e.g biodiesel and bioplastic. The most expensive cost is derived by the harvesting method, thus bioflocculent techniques in SBR system would enhance the biomass exaggeration. The Microalgae carry a negative charge that prevents aggregation of cells in suspension. Therefore, The surface charge of microalgae can be neutralized or reduced by adding flocculants such as cationic polymers to increase particle size and thus, ease sedimentation. Fly ash is a kind of heterogeneous particle from coal combustion in thermoelectric power plants. Its magnetic properties may absorb microalgae from dispersion to aggregation. It is believed that there should be a best method to extract not only lipid but also other by-products and perhaps the constituents of PHAs by using inexpensive nutrient for growing microalgae. Besides, this method prevents the microalgae- environmental pollution because POME is available as a habitat for microalgae, producing continuously in Malaysia.