Pilot Scale Optimization: Research on Algae Flotation Techniques (RAFT)

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1214212 | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/47722 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on US national waterways continue to cause significant economic and environmental damage. Researchers at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center successfully demonstrated the Research on Algae Flotation Techniques (RAFT) project at pilot scale. This study was designed to show that the sur-face concentrations of algal biomass can be effectively increased with near linear scalability utilizing the natural methods by which some algae entrap air within excreted mucilage for flotation. The surface concentration of cyanobacteria measured as phycocyanin pigment increased by six-fold after RAFT flocculation treatment. Further optimization of chemical delivery systems, mixing, and dissolved air exposure will be required before full scale readiness.

Author(s):
Cender, Clinton J. ; Thomas, Catherine C. ; Greeling, Benjamin A. ; Sartain, Bradley T. ; Gonzalez, Ashley M. ; Page, Martin A.
Author Organization(s):
Engineer Research and Development Center
Funding Organization(s):
Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS
Document Type:
Technical Report/Technical Report
Publication Date:
2023 Oct 01
Pagination:
27

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release.
Copyright: Not Copyrighted

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Descriptor(s):
cyanobacteria, ecology, engineering, environment, chemistry, engineers, polymers, abstracts, algae, test facilities, aquatic organisms, biological pigments, construction, flotation, materials, optimization, scalability
Keyword(s):
Dissolved air flotation, Flocculation, Microbubble, Nanobubble, Polysaccharide, Xanthan gum
Subject Categories:
Biological and Medical Sciences
Modernization Areas:
Biotechnology
Communities of Interest:
Descriptor(s):
cyanobacteria, ecology, engineering, environment, engineers, polymers, test facilities, algae, biological pigments, flotation, materials, optimization, scalability, abstracts, biopolymers, chemistry, polysaccharides
Creation Date:
2023 Nov 01
Update Date:
2023 Nov 03