Metabolic acclimation mechanism in microalgae developed for CO2 capture from industrial flue gas

• Published in: Algal research (Amsterdam) Vol. 26; pp. 225 - 233
• Main Authors: Guo, Ying, Yuan, Zhenhong, Xu, Jingliang, Wang, Zhongming, Yuan, Tao, Zhou, Weizheng, Xu, Jin, Liang, Cuiyi, Xu, Huijuan, Liu, Shijie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2017
• Subjects: acclimation; algae culture; Biomass; bioreactors; carbon; carbon dioxide; Flue gas; industrial applications; Metabolic analysis; Metabolites; microalgae; Microalgae CO2 capture; physiology; Microalgae CO2 capture; Biomass; Metabolic analysis; Metabolites; Flue gas
• ISSN: 2211-9264; 2211-9264
• DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2017.07.029

Microalgae are the potential choice in diverting carbon emission from industrial plants. Owing to the high CO2 concentrations, industrial flue gas can constrain the growth of most microalgae. A continuous transfer procedure was developed to select a tolerant microalgae species to feed on CO2-rich industrial flue gas. The ability to capture CO2 by the developed microalgae species is verified in a closed gas bag system and the bubble column reactors. A total of 432 metabolic molecules were collected from the microalgae culture subject to the ambient (0.04% CO2) and the CO2-elevated (15%) treatments, 37 of which showed significantly different concentrations. These 37 metabolites were found to enhance the cellular physiology mechanisms of the microalgae to thrive in the high concentrations of CO2. The productivity of microalgae was shown to be improved for industrial applications. [Display omitted] •Addresses the molecular mechanisms why a long term tolerant algae species can stand high concentrations of CO2•Examines how CO2 enrichment can improve the productivity of microalgae.•A microalgae species is developed for CO2 capture of the industrial flue gases