The Effect of Bioflocculants and Cationic Inducers Concentration on Harvesting Chlorella vulgaris Biomass Using Fungal Aspergillus niger Bioflocculation Method

Abstract Energy consumption from non-renewable fuels is increasing, so there a need for new energy source microalgae. The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris has high lipid content ranging 2-77% of the dry weight biomass, but it small size, 2-10 micrometers, which makes uneconomical at harvesting stage. One cheaper, effective, and environmentally-friendly methods bioflocculation. bioflocculation was carried out using help fungi by activating Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) on positively charged would stick to negatively that charge became neutral formed flocs. Previous research efficiency Aspergillus niger pellets still takes long time. Harvesting with able increase optimal parameters were pH 8, cationic inducer 60 mM, bioflocculant dose 3.5% w/v, stirring speed 150 rpm 93% biomass 333 mg within 48 hours. method can reduce time, save energy, efficiency, not produce side products harmful environment.