Bicarbonate produced from carbon capture for algae culture

Abstract

Using captured CO 2 to grow microalgae is limited by the high cost of CO 2 capture and transportation, as well as significant CO 2 loss during algae culture. Moreover, algae grow poorly at night, but CO 2 cannot be temporarily stored until sunrise. To address these challenges, we discuss a process where CO 2 is captured as bicarbonate and used as feedstock for algae culture, and the carbonate regenerated by the culture process is used as an absorbent to capture more CO 2. This process would significantly reduce carbon capture costs because it does not require additional energy for carbonate regeneration. Furthermore, not only would transport of the aqueous bicarbonate solution cost less than for that of compressed CO 2, but using bicarbonate would also provide a superior alternative for CO 2 delivery to an algae culture system. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.