Biofixation of Air Emissions and Biomass Valorization – Evaluation of Microalgal Biotechnology

This research appraised the simultaneous biofixation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and nitric oxides (NO x ) by microalgae species Chlorella vulgaris , Haematococcus pluvialis , and Scenedesmus subspicatus . The experimental design was established by five treatments with gas concentrations between control – 0.04% of CO 2 , 5 to 15% of CO 2 , and 30 to 100 ppm of NOx. Parameters such as pH, growth, productivity, lipids, protein, carbon/ nitrogen ratio, and astaxanthin were evaluated. For all species, the maximal growth was achieved with 5% of CO 2 and 30 ppm of NO x . Regarding protein content, for all the three species, better results were obtained at higher concentrations of CO 2 and NOx. These results prove the microalgae capacity for CO 2 and NO x biofixation and reuse of biomass as a source of high value-added products, such as lipids, proteins, and astaxanthin. These findings support the indication of these species for flue gas treatment process and use in biorefineries systems.

Electron beam flue gas technology for SOx and NOx simultaneous removal: its process and chemistry evolution from power plants to diesel off-gas treatment

Environmental pollution is one of the most important problems in present-day society. Governments and international organizations try to mitigate this problem by enforcing strict laws concerning the emission of certain pollutants. This process is especially rapidly applied concerning air pollution. In the past, the main focus was placed on the regulation of the energy sector and of land-based transportation emissions, as they produce the vast majority of pollutants. Today, the emphasis is shifted toward marine-based transportation, as it is anticipated that after the year 2020, the emission from sea-based sources (with respect to sulfur and nitrogen oxides) will exceed the land-based emission. One of the technologies that have been successfully implemented in industries to decrease the level of air pollution caused by NOx and SOx is electron beam flue gas treatment. This review shows the chemical principles of this method as well as the chemical engineering issues and its development and modifications to suit the changing needs of industries worldwide.

Treatment of Particulate Matter Pollution: People’s Attitude and Readiness to Act

The paper displays results of the questionnaire called “Particulate matter pollution in air”, which serves as a tool to determine level of public awareness of the health risks related to pollution from small capacity heating equipment in households. Barriers for installation of the innovative flue gas treatment technology called a fog unit in households and possible mechanisms to decrease or prevent these barriers were defined. The first part of the questionnaire included overall information about participants: age, gender, education level, place of residence, activities to protect the environment and motives behind performing these activities. The remaining questions were divided in four groups: “Environmental views”, “Knowledge on air pollution”, “Willingness to pay”, “Choice of flue gas treatment technologies”. The results of questionnaire correspond with raised problem situations. Over 80 % of respondents lack information on pollution and possible consequences deriving from it, and on potential solutions to prevent pollution. Residents of households are willing to pay for installation of flue gas treatment equipment (capital investments).