Optimization of Microalgal Harvesting with Inorganic and Organic Flocculants Using Factorial Design of Experiments

Microalgae have a lot of potential as source several compounds interest to various industries. However, developing sustainable and efficient harvesting process on large scale is still major challenge. This particularly problem when the production low-value products intended. Chemical flocculation, followed by sedimentation, seen an alternative method improve energetic economic balance step. In this study, inorganic (aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride) organic (Zetag 8185, chitosan, Tanfloc SG) flocculants were tested harvest Chlorella vulgaris in batch mode. Preliminary assays conducted determine minimum dosages each flocculant that generates primary flocs at different pH. Except for required small initiate floc formation. Additional studies performed with better performance preliminary assays. Zetag 8185 had best results, reaching 98.8% 97.9% efficiencies 50 100 mg L?1, respectively. Lastly, 24 full factorial design experiment was effects dosage, settling time, mixing time efficiency. The efficiency C. optimal dosage L?1 3 min rapid mixing.