A novel technology that combines carbon emissions from pulp and paper mills with aquaculture wastewater, then converts it into algae-based protein for aquafeed pellets is being developed by researchers at Auburn University.
Peter He, a chemical engineering professor at Auburn University, is leading a $2.5 million DOE-funded project to develop sustainable aquafeed from flue gas and fishery wastewater. The initiative, part of a broader DOE effort to advance low-carbon biofuels and bioproducts, focuses on using patented dry biofilm photobioreactor technology to intensify microalgae cultivation. This approach aims to boost algae productivity by 200%, biomass concentration by 300%, and reduce production costs by 50%, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Key innovations include:
- Using dry biofilm to enhance CO₂ uptake and improve biomass productivity.
- Adapting energy-efficient dewatering and drying techniques from the pulp and paper industry.
- Employing integrated systems engineering for process optimization.
The project involves:
- Optimizing algae productivity in lab-scale reactors.
- Scaling up to a greenhouse-style prototype for pilot testing.
- Testing advanced dewatering techniques to improve algae harvesting.
- Evaluating nutrient profiles and safety of algae-based aquafeed for commercialization.
The research addresses environmental challenges by converting industrial waste into sustainable protein sources for aquaculture, contributing to circular economy practices.