4. Valorization and Reuse of Wastewater through Microalgae – Development of a High-Efficiency Microalgal Wastewater Treatment and Biomass Conversion Platform
This study focuses on establishing a stable cultivation system for microalgae to treat anaerobically digested effluent (biogas slurry) and exploring its subsequent high-value applications. The research is divided into three main components:
1.Construction of a biogas slurry delivery system that utilizes effluent from anaerobic digestion of swine manure wastewater as a nutrient source for microalgal cultivation.
2.Pilot-scale operation in a 50-ton cultivation system, including trial runs and parameter optimization.
3.Development of functional products from harvested microalgal biomass, including liquid fertilizers and nutritional feed supplements.
The project plans to implement a modified raceway microalgal cultivation system equipped with a low-cost, energy-efficient fluid mixing device to improve the homogeneity of the culture. Additionally, the system will feature an automated feeding mechanism at the tank base, along with real-time monitoring of algal concentration and wastewater treatment performance, in order to establish the optimal conditions for both microalgal growth and COD reduction. During wastewater treatment, the harvested microalgae will undergo rigorous testing and quality control to ensure biosafety and prevent potential bioaccumulation or cross-contamination of pathogens. Finally, the cultivated biomass will be developed into microalgal-based functional liquid fertilizers and feed supplements, achieving regenerative recycling of agricultural waste and significantly enhancing industrial added value.
1.Construction of a biogas slurry delivery system that utilizes effluent from anaerobic digestion of swine manure wastewater as a nutrient source for microalgal cultivation.
2.Pilot-scale operation in a 50-ton cultivation system, including trial runs and parameter optimization.
3.Development of functional products from harvested microalgal biomass, including liquid fertilizers and nutritional feed supplements.
The project plans to implement a modified raceway microalgal cultivation system equipped with a low-cost, energy-efficient fluid mixing device to improve the homogeneity of the culture. Additionally, the system will feature an automated feeding mechanism at the tank base, along with real-time monitoring of algal concentration and wastewater treatment performance, in order to establish the optimal conditions for both microalgal growth and COD reduction. During wastewater treatment, the harvested microalgae will undergo rigorous testing and quality control to ensure biosafety and prevent potential bioaccumulation or cross-contamination of pathogens. Finally, the cultivated biomass will be developed into microalgal-based functional liquid fertilizers and feed supplements, achieving regenerative recycling of agricultural waste and significantly enhancing industrial added value.