Date of Award
Fall 12-2016
Degree Type
Thesis-Restricted
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Engineering
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Major Professor
La Motta, Enrique
Second Advisor
Rincon, Guillermo
Third Advisor
McCorquodale, John
Abstract
Research using microalgae Chlorella vulgaris was conducted in order to determine the maximum CO2 concentration under which algae can grow, within the emission range from oil and natural gas burning plants (0-20%).
After choosing the optimal CO2 percentage, pH and alkalinity were determined; and finally, an electrochemical (EC) batch reactor connected to DC current was applied to achieve algae cell annihilation, and therefore, facilitate anaerobic digestion, methane production and energy recovery.
It was determined that algae can grow under 20% CO2, being 15% CO2 the most effective (pH of 6.64 and alkalinity of 617.5 mg/L CaCO3).
Electroporation using an electrochemical batch reactor is effective in breaking cells membranes, which simplifies anaerobic digestion process and methane production.
The parameters found effective for completely breaking the algae cell are: detention time of 1 more or less 0.5 minutes, and minimum voltage and current of 65 Volts/285 ml and 3.9 Amps/285 ml, respectively
Recommended Citation
Simosa, Alicia E., "Factors affecting algal biomass growth and cell wall destruction" (2016). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 2277.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2277
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.