title: Enhancing microalgal photosynthesis and productivity in wastewater treatment high rate algal ponds for biofuel production.
abstract: With microalgal biofuels currently receiving much attention, there has been renewed interest in the combined use of high rate algal ponds (HRAP) for wastewater treatment and biofuel production. This combined use of HRAPs is considered to be an economically feasible option for biofuel production, however, increased microalgal productivity and nutrient removal together with reduced capital costs are needed before it can be commercially viable. Despite HRAPs being an established technology, microalgal photosynthesis and productivity is still limited in these ponds and is well below the theoretical maximum. This paper critically evaluates the parameters that limit microalgal light absorption and photosynthesis in wastewater HRAPs and examines biological, chemical and physical options for improving light absorption and utilisation, with the view of enhancing biomass production and nutrient removal.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd. (NIWA), PO Box 8602, Christchurch, New Zealand; Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Electronic address: Donna.Sutherland@niwa.co.nz.
authors.forename: Donna L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Sutherland
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd. (NIWA), PO Box 8602, Christchurch, New Zealand. Electronic address: Clive.Howard-Williams@niwa.co.nz.
authors.forename: Clive
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Howard-Williams
authors.affiliation: Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Electronic address: Matthew.Turnbull@canterbury.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Matthew H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Turnbull
authors.affiliation: Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Electronic address: Paul.Broady@canterbury.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Broady
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd. (NIWA), PO Box 11-115, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand. Electronic address: Rupert.Craggs@niwa.co.nz.
authors.forename: Rupert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Craggs
mesh_terms: D056804:Biofuels; D058086:Microalgae / Q000378:metabolism*; D010788:Photosynthesis; D061005:Ponds; D062065:Wastewater; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels; D062065:Wastewater
keywords: Biofuel; High rate algal ponds; Light absorption and utilisation; Microalgal production; Photosynthesis