Using wastewater in the biofuels cycle
This week’s issue of “Recharge” mentions a pilot project that is taking place at the Neely Wastewater Reclamation Facility in Gilbert, Arizona, US. The project is examining the feasibility of using wastewater as a source of nutirents for the cultivation of algae, the algae is then converted into biofuels. Gilbert will be offered all biodiesel produced from the plant at the cost of production and processing. Given the furore that surrounded the biofuels debate last year, when the spike in the cost of grain was linked to the increase of grain being used for biofuels, perhaps using wastewater to feed algae is a more sustainable option?
Posted by: Jim Howlett
Gita Khatarina
Hi Jim
It is very interesting topic.
Reading the info, will that topic continue for sains research and or have the answer ? since I wonder will the wastewater from factory could feed algae as well …
Thank you.
Gita
Indonesia
Jim Howlett
Hi Gita, thanks for the comment about whether wastewater from a factory could be used to feed algae. There’s two points here. One is that the wastewater from a treatment plant that serves a community will different from that coming out of a factory. From a factory it is likely to more chemical pollutants whereas from a community wastewater treatment plant it will be more biological in nature. You’ll need to find a different type of algae to feed on the factory wastewater. Second is a question of volume and how much algae you could grow from a community vs a factor plant. Having said that though I think this does present an opportunity for firms that have rely on manufacturing to boost their “green” credentials. These type of programmes should be researched more. A factory might able to grow the algae and turn into a biofuel that could help run their plant or as they are doing in Gilbert, Az make the biofuel available to the community at the cost of production and processing.
Lucia
Dear Jim
Glad to know that the world becomes green in to this project.
Hopefully using the project, our wish come true to have the world healthier, clean and no gasoline polution.
I also hope that the project will not giving bad impact to our ozone.
Good luck for Gilbert and glad to see the further progress news of this.
Thanks + regards
Lucia
Indonesia
Alice
This is actually the project that my group as part of the Water Leadership Intern Experience (WLIE) researched last summer.. As an advanced biofuel, algal oil is on the cutting edge of technologies. Through our expertise in water and wastewater treatment, Black & Veatch currently possesses knowledge of processes very similar to those involved in the cultivation and harvesting of algae.
-Alice
Jim Howlett
Look forward to hearing more about this research as it progresses.
Rachelle
Hi Alice,
I also look forward to hearing more about this research on algal oil. So what type of oil is an algal oil? what is it used for?
thanks
rachelle
buckeyebiodiesel
Jim the plant should also explore separation of the FOGs (fats oil and grease) from the waste water stream for biodiesel production. Although typically high in FFA’s it is now economical to convert it to fuel with todays technoligies