Description: The potential impact of an implementation of microalgae-based wastewater treatment on the energy balance of a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Central Europe

This title appears in the Scientific Report : 2022

The potential impact of an implementation of microalgae-based wastewater treatment on the energy balance of a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Central Europe

Integration of a photobioreactor for WWT by microalgae is calculated as a future alternative for cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly nutrient removal for municipal WWTPs. High growth rates and higher biogas yields (compared to conventional sewage sludge) of algal biomass can significantly im...

Personal Name(s):	Hasport, N. (Corresponding author)
	Krahe, D. / Kuchendorf, Christina / Beier, S. / Theilen, U.
Contributing Institute:	Pflanzenwissenschaften; IBG-2
Published in:	Bioresource technology, 347 (2022) S. 126695 -
Imprint:	Amsterdam [u.a.] Elsevier Science 2022
DOI:	10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126695
Document Type:	Journal Article
Research Program:	Utilization of renewable carbon and energy sources and engineering of ecosystem functions
Link:	OpenAccess
	Publikationsportal JuSER

Please use the identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/30297 in citations.
Please use the identifier: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2022.126695 in citations.

Integration of a photobioreactor for WWT by microalgae is calculated as a future alternative for cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly nutrient removal for municipal WWTPs. High growth rates and higher biogas yields (compared to conventional sewage sludge) of algal biomass can significantly improve WWTP energy balances.This study focuses on temperate climate zones with changing seasons and discusses energy potential of microalgae-enhanced wastewater treatment for an existing WWTP (32,000 PE) in Central Germany. For WWTP-dimensioning and determination of energy-rich biomasses for anaerobic digestion and CHP, actual influent load data was used and calculation was carried out according to valid regulations. Algae growth figures are based on pilot-scale test series from Germany and correspond to the relevant climatic and local process conditions. Computed results show a shift in the energy balance from a current energy demand of 662,173 kWh a-1 to an energy production of approx. 1,9 MWhel. a-1 and 1 MWhth. a-1.