IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/rensus/v41y2015icp1489-1500.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Harvesting techniques applied to microalgae: A review

Author

Listed:
  • Barros, Ana I.
  • Gonçalves, Ana L.
  • Simões, Manuel
  • Pires, José C.M.

Abstract

Research studies on microalgae have increased in the last decades due to the wide range of applications associated to these photosynthetic microorganisms. Microalgae are an important source of oils and other biomolecules that can be used in the production of biofuels and high-valued products. However, the use of microalgae in these green processes is still not economically viable. One of the main costs associated to microalgal production is related to the harvesting process, as it usually accounts for about 20–30% of total cost. Therefore, this review focuses on the main harvesting processes applied to microalgae, presenting the main advantages and disadvantages of each method, to allow the selection of an appropriate procedure to effectively separate microalgal biomass from the culture medium. To reduce the associated costs, it is common to harvest microalgae in a two-step separation: (i) thickening procedures, in which microalgal slurry is concentrated to about 2–7% of total suspended solids; and (ii) dewatering procedures, which result in the concentration of microalgal slurry to 15–25% of total suspended solids. Selection of the adequate harvesting methods depends on the characteristics of the target microorganism and also on the type and value of the end product.

Suggested Citation

  • Barros, Ana I. & Gonçalves, Ana L. & Simões, Manuel & Pires, José C.M., 2015. "Harvesting techniques applied to microalgae: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1489-1500.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:41:y:2015:i:c:p:1489-1500
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2014.09.037
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032114008107
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.rser.2014.09.037?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rawat, I. & Ranjith Kumar, R. & Mutanda, T. & Bux, F., 2011. "Dual role of microalgae: Phycoremediation of domestic wastewater and biomass production for sustainable biofuels production," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(10), pages 3411-3424.
    2. Brennan, Liam & Owende, Philip, 2010. "Biofuels from microalgae--A review of technologies for production, processing, and extractions of biofuels and co-products," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(2), pages 557-577, February.
    3. Lee, Andrew K. & Lewis, David M. & Ashman, Peter J., 2013. "Harvesting of marine microalgae by electroflocculation: The energetics, plant design, and economics," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 45-53.
    4. Rashid, Naim & Rehman, Muhammad Saif Ur & Memon, Sheeraz & Ur Rahman, Zia & Lee, Kisay & Han, Jong-In, 2013. "Current status, barriers and developments in biohydrogen production by microalgae," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 571-579.
    5. Marcilla, A. & Catalá, L. & García-Quesada, J.C. & Valdés, F.J. & Hernández, M.R., 2013. "A review of thermochemical conversion of microalgae," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 11-19.
    6. Atabani, A.E. & Silitonga, A.S. & Badruddin, Irfan Anjum & Mahlia, T.M.I. & Masjuki, H.H. & Mekhilef, S., 2012. "A comprehensive review on biodiesel as an alternative energy resource and its characteristics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(4), pages 2070-2093.
    7. Pires, J.C.M. & Alvim-Ferraz, M.C.M. & Martins, F.G. & Simões, M., 2012. "Carbon dioxide capture from flue gases using microalgae: Engineering aspects and biorefinery concept," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(5), pages 3043-3053.
    8. Singh, Jasvinder & Gu, Sai, 2010. "Commercialization potential of microalgae for biofuels production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 14(9), pages 2596-2610, December.
    9. Cai, Ting & Park, Stephen Y. & Li, Yebo, 2013. "Nutrient recovery from wastewater streams by microalgae: Status and prospects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 19(C), pages 360-369.
    10. Pragya, Namita & Pandey, Krishan K. & Sahoo, P.K., 2013. "A review on harvesting, oil extraction and biofuels production technologies from microalgae," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 159-171.
    11. Sarman Oktovianus Gultom & Bo Hu, 2013. "Review of Microalgae Harvesting via Co-Pelletization with Filamentous Fungus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 6(11), pages 1-19, November.
    12. Oncel, Suphi S., 2013. "Microalgae for a macroenergy world," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 241-264.
    13. Farrelly, Damien J. & Everard, Colm D. & Fagan, Colette C. & McDonnell, Kevin P., 2013. "Carbon sequestration and the role of biological carbon mitigation: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 712-727.
    14. Razzak, Shaikh A. & Hossain, Mohammad M. & Lucky, Rahima A. & Bassi, Amarjeet S. & de Lasa, Hugo, 2013. "Integrated CO2 capture, wastewater treatment and biofuel production by microalgae culturing—A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 27(C), pages 622-653.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Fazal, Tahir & Mushtaq, Azeem & Rehman, Fahad & Ullah Khan, Asad & Rashid, Naim & Farooq, Wasif & Rehman, Muhammad Saif Ur & Xu, Jian, 2018. "Bioremediation of textile wastewater and successive biodiesel production using microalgae," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3107-3126.
    2. Mathimani, Thangavel & Mallick, Nirupama, 2018. "A comprehensive review on harvesting of microalgae for biodiesel – Key challenges and future directions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 1103-1120.
    3. Cheah, Wai Yan & Ling, Tau Chuan & Show, Pau Loke & Juan, Joon Ching & Chang, Jo-Shu & Lee, Duu-Jong, 2016. "Cultivation in wastewaters for energy: A microalgae platform," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 609-625.
    4. Tasić, Marija B. & Pinto, Luisa Fernanda Rios & Klein, Bruno Colling & Veljković, Vlada B. & Filho, Rubens Maciel, 2016. "Botryococcus braunii for biodiesel production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 260-270.
    5. Shah, Syed Hasnain & Raja, Iftikhar Ahmed & Rizwan, Muhammad & Rashid, Naim & Mahmood, Qaisar & Shah, Fayyaz Ali & Pervez, Arshid, 2018. "Potential of microalgal biodiesel production and its sustainability perspectives in Pakistan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 76-92.
    6. Tian, Chunyan & Li, Baoming & Liu, Zhidan & Zhang, Yuanhui & Lu, Haifeng, 2014. "Hydrothermal liquefaction for algal biorefinery: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 933-950.
    7. Bergthorson, Jeffrey M. & Thomson, Murray J., 2015. "A review of the combustion and emissions properties of advanced transportation biofuels and their impact on existing and future engines," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 1393-1417.
    8. Milano, Jassinnee & Ong, Hwai Chyuan & Masjuki, H.H. & Chong, W.T. & Lam, Man Kee & Loh, Ping Kwan & Vellayan, Viknes, 2016. "Microalgae biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuel for power generation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 180-197.
    9. Rastogi, Rajesh P. & Pandey, Ashok & Larroche, Christian & Madamwar, Datta, 2018. "Algal Green Energy – R&D and technological perspectives for biodiesel production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2946-2969.
    10. Alaswad, A. & Dassisti, M. & Prescott, T. & Olabi, A.G., 2015. "Technologies and developments of third generation biofuel production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 1446-1460.
    11. Tamilselvan, P. & Nallusamy, N. & Rajkumar, S., 2017. "A comprehensive review on performance, combustion and emission characteristics of biodiesel fuelled diesel engines," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 1134-1159.
    12. Bharathiraja, B. & Chakravarthy, M. & Ranjith Kumar, R. & Yogendran, D. & Yuvaraj, D. & Jayamuthunagai, J. & Praveen Kumar, R. & Palani, S., 2015. "Aquatic biomass (algae) as a future feed stock for bio-refineries: A review on cultivation, processing and products," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 634-653.
    13. Chamkalani, A. & Zendehboudi, S. & Rezaei, N. & Hawboldt, K., 2020. "A critical review on life cycle analysis of algae biodiesel: current challenges and future prospects," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    14. Florentino de Souza Silva, Anna Patrícya & Costa, Mayara Carantino & Colzi Lopes, Alexandre & Fares Abdala Neto, Eliezer & Carrhá Leitão, Renato & Mota, César Rossas & Bezerra dos Santos, André, 2014. "Comparison of pretreatment methods for total lipids extraction from mixed microalgae," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 762-766.
    15. Kligerman, Debora Cynamon & Bouwer, Edward J., 2015. "Prospects for biodiesel production from algae-based wastewater treatment in Brazil: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 1834-1846.
    16. Trivedi, Jayati & Aila, Mounika & Bangwal, D.P. & Kaul, Savita & Garg, M.O., 2015. "Algae based biorefinery—How to make sense?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 295-307.
    17. Ankita Juneja & Ruben Michael Ceballos & Ganti S. Murthy, 2013. "Effects of Environmental Factors and Nutrient Availability on the Biochemical Composition of Algae for Biofuels Production: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 6(9), pages 1-32, September.
    18. Pires, José C.M., 2017. "COP21: The algae opportunity?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 867-877.
    19. Manara, P. & Zabaniotou, A., 2012. "Towards sewage sludge based biofuels via thermochemical conversion – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(5), pages 2566-2582.
    20. Singh, Bhaskar & Guldhe, Abhishek & Rawat, Ismail & Bux, Faizal, 2014. "Towards a sustainable approach for development of biodiesel from plant and microalgae," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 216-245.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:41:y:2015:i:c:p:1489-1500. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600126/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.