Harvesting Porphyridium purpureum using polyacrylamide polymers and alkaline bases and their impact on biomass quality

Abstract This study aims to examine the flocculation efficiency of Porphyridium purpureum (i.e. a red marine microalga with high content pigments and fatty acids) grown in seawater medium using polyacrylamide polymers alkaline flocculation. Polymers Flopam™ FO3801 achieved highest over 99% at optimal dose 21 mg per g dry biomass through charge neutralisation bridging mechanism. The addition sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate also 98 91%, respectively, but doses were required > 500 mg biomass). Calcium hydroxide was not as effective could only achieve 75% efficiency. Precipitation magnesium identified major cause hydroxide-induced On other hand, induced via both calcium co-precipitation. large mass precipitates caused sweeping effect enmeshed microalgal cells trigger sedimentation. Cell membrane integrity analysis flocculated P. indicated that led significant compromised 96%), compared bases (70–96% cells). These results appear be first demonstrate polymer expense quality.