Microalgae adhesion on polymeric membrane

Abstract

Microalgae are currently in the spotlight due to its various potential such as feedstock food, feed, fuel, fertilizers, fine chemicals and other value-added products. However, large cultivation of microalgae is not necessarily economically viable due to the high capital and operating cost. Immobilized microalgae cultivation can result at cost reduction as it simplify the microalgae harvesting process and it can reduces the water and energy consumption. Thus, this study was intended to evaluate the adhesion of microalgae on the surface of the membranes. Several types of microalgae from planktonic and benthic origin and different types of polymeric membrane with different range of hydrophobicity were selected for this study. The adhesion of microalgae and its organic matter onto the membrane surface was identified using microscopic imaging, functional group determination and chlorophyll content of the microalgae. The finding will enable a correlation to be identified between the properties of the polymeric membranes used and the microalgae present. Eventually, the knowledge may help in microalgae cultivation process on porous support media.