Microalgae-based carbon capture and utilization: A critical review on current system developments and biomass utilization

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is an emerging technology with commercial potential to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into net zero or negative emission products. In microalgae-based CCU, microalgae utilize CO 2 and sunlight to generate biomass for commercial applications. This pape...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Critical reviews in environmental science and technology 2023-01, Vol.53 (2), p.216-238
Main Authors: Nguyen, Luong N., Vu, Minh T., Vu, Hang P., Johir, Md. Abu Hasan, Labeeuw, Leen, Ralph, Peter J., Mahlia, T. M. I., Pandey, Ashok, Sirohi, Ranjna, Nghiem, Long D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algae
Amit Bhatnagar and Yong Sik Ok
Aquatic microorganisms
Biomass
Biomass utilization
carbon capture and utilization
Carbon dioxide
carbon dioxide delivery
Carbon sequestration
Carbonation
Cell culture
Climate change
Design
Light distribution
Luminance distribution
Microalgae
microalgal harvesting
Net zero
New technology
Nutrient requirements
Nutrient utilization
Photobioreactors
Ponds
Utilization
Water reuse
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Summary:Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is an emerging technology with commercial potential to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into net zero or negative emission products. In microalgae-based CCU, microalgae utilize CO 2 and sunlight to generate biomass for commercial applications. This paper reviews the current state of microalgal culture development for CCU and highlights its potential contribution to addressing climate change challenges. Current microalgal culture systems have not been designed for high throughput biomass growth and carbon capture. Raceways, high-rate algal ponds, and photobioreactors are the most widely used for microalgal cultivation at a large-scale. The limitations of these systems are related to microalgal growth requirements. Ponds are operated at narrow depth to ensure sufficient light distribution and thus need a large land surface. CO 2 gas needs to be in a dissolved form for efficient utilization by microalgae. Innovative system designs to achieve optimized distribution of light, nutrient, and CO 2 utilization for enhanced biomass production are crucial to achieve large-scale CO 2 capture by microalgae. Data corroborated in this review highlights several innovative techniques to deliver CO 2 effectively and enhance light illumination to microalgal cells. Submerged and internal illuminations can enhance light distribution without compromising culture volume and land requirements. CO 2 delivery technique selections mainly depend on CO 2 sources. The carbonation column appears to be the best option regarding efficiency, easy operation, and simple design. The downstream processes of microalgal culture (i.e. harvesting, biomass utilization, and water reuse) are important to make microalgae-based CCU a significant contribution to global carbon mitigation solutions.
ISSN:1064-3389
1547-6537
DOI:10.1080/10643389.2022.2047141