Paper details

Title:

Harnessing Microalgae for On-site Industrial CO2 Capture and Biofuel Production: a Novel Path to Sustainable Transportation Fuels

Author(s):

Penloglou, G., Pavlou, A., Kiparissides, C.

Document(s):

Abstract:

In response to the growing demand for sustainable biofuels, this study presents the development and validation of an operational model for capturing and converting industrial CO2 emissions using microalgae. The model is designed to be adaptable to two specific industrial contexts, namely a bioethanol production facility and a steel manufacturing plant. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the tolerance and productivity of selected microalgal strains under conditions simulating emissions from these two case studies. Based on the results, the most promising strains were further tested in a pilot-scale photobioreactor to assess scalability and real-world applicability. Selection criteria included strain viability, growth performance, and the ability to accumulate targeted biochemical products (polysaccharides and lipids) that can serve as advanced biofuel precursors. Conditions such as elevated CO2 concentrations, NOx presence, etc., were employed to simulate industrial environments. Biomass production results indicate that specific microalgae, particularly Stichococcus and Chlorella species, exhibited robust growth with no significant inhibition at elevated CO2 levels, reaching adequate concentrations. A comparative analysis of polysaccharides, lipids and proteins accumulation identified Stichococcus sp. as optimal polysaccharides producer, while Chlorella vulgaris emerged as the leading lipids producer. Ultimately, these green microalgal strains demonstrated growth-associated and stress-induced production of biomass and target biochemicals, making them strong candidates for on-site pilot-scale evaluation in photobioreactors dedicated to biofuel production.

Keywords:

biomass, biorefinery, CO₂ capture, microalgae, liquid biofuel

Topic:

Biomass Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers and Sustainable Biofuels

Subtopic:

Biofuels and renewable hydrocarbon biofuels

Event:

33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

5BO.2.3

Pages:

849 - 853

ISBN:

978-88-89407-25-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-5BO.2.3

Price:

FREE