Title:
Utilising Biogas Digestate from Food Waste, Industrial Residues and Energy Crop Digesters as Nutrient Source for the Cultivation of Microalgae
Author(s):
Bauer, L., Glasner, K., Pummer, R., Kubetz, A., Gabauer, W., Drosg, B., Meixner, K.
Document(s):
Paper
Slide presentation
Abstract:
In aquaculture, rotifers fed with microalgae are a potential alternative to fishmeal as feed for fish larvae. Thus, microalgae rich in valuable nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids can be the primary nutrient source for fish production. To make the process more sustainable, nutrients from waste sources like digestate can be used for microalgae cultivation. In this study, the ability of Chlorella vulgaris to grow on digestate and its biomass composition was evaluated. Three digestates from different biogas plants were characterized and pre-treated. Chlorella vulgaris was grown on the digestate media and afterwards, its lipid and protein content were analyzed. It was observed that the suitability of a pre-treatment method strongly depends on the type of digestate (i.e. which substrate was used in the biogas plant). Thus, an individual pre-treatment method should be developed for each digestate. Chlorella vulgaris was able to grow on the digestate media. However, the type of digestate and the pre-treatment method influenced the performance. Compared to mineral medium, the protein content of the biomass was decreased when grown on digestate and the lipid content was similar or slightly increased. An increase in lipid content is beneficial if the biomass is used in aquaculture.
Keywords:
anaerobic digestion, microalgae, digestate, agroindustrial residues, pretreatment
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Algae and aquatic biomass production systems
Event:
30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BO.13.4
Pages:
86 - 89
ISBN:
978-88-89407-22-6
Paper DOI:
10.5071/30thEUBCE2022-1BO.13.4
Price:
FREE
