Journal article
Bioremediation for coal-fired power stations using macroalgae
Journal of Environmental Management, Vol.153, pp.25-32
2015
Abstract
Macroalgae are a productive resource that can be cultured in metal-contaminated waste water for bioremediation but there have been no demonstrations of this biotechnology integrated with industry. Coal-fired power production is a water-limited industry that requires novel approaches to waste water treatment and recycling. In this study, a freshwater macroalga (genus Oedogonium) was cultivated in contaminated ash water amended with flue gas (containing 20% CO2) at an Australian coal-fired power station. The continuous process of macroalgal growth and intracellular metal sequestration reduced the concentrations of all metals in the treated ash water. Predictive modelling shows that the power station could feasibly achieve zero discharge of most regulated metals (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in waste water by using the ash water dam for bioremediation with algal cultivation ponds rather than storage of ash water. Slow pyrolysis of the cultivated algae immobilised the accumulated metals in a recalcitrant C-rich biochar. While the algal biochar had higher total metal concentrations than the algae feedstock, the biochar had very low concentrations of leachable metals and therefore has potential for use as an ameliorant for low-fertility soils. This study demonstrates a bioremediation technology at a large scale for a water-limited industry that could be implemented at new or existing power stations, or during the decommissioning of older power stations. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
Details
- Title
- Bioremediation for coal-fired power stations using macroalgae
- Authors
- D A Roberts (Author) - James Cook UniversityNicholas A Paul (Author) - James Cook UniversityM I Bird (Author) - James Cook UniversityR de Nys (Author) - James Cook University
- Publication details
- Journal of Environmental Management, Vol.153, pp.25-32
- Publisher
- Academic Press
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.01.036
- ISSN
- 0301-4797
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451150302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
2 File views/ downloads
416 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Web Of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites