Seminar: Carbon Capture in Algae and the Feasibility of Using CO2 from Biogas, April 4
Attend the next School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment seminar presented by Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology Research Scientist Everett Eustance, who will discuss efficient CO2 transfer to algae for carbon capture and utilization.
Carbon Capture in Algae and the Feasibility of Using CO2 from Biogas
Presented by Everett Eustance, Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology, Arizona State University
Monday, April 4, 2022
3:15–4:15 p.m.
College Avenue Commons (CAVC) 333, Tempe campus [map], and Zoom
Abstract
Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) by algae from industrial sources is a critical area of research. Not only does this field aid in the combat against climate change but also directs the CO2 emissions to produce productive algal cultivation. In doing so, the CO2 is repurposed for biofuels and bioproducts to help replace the increasing demand for fossil-fuel-based products. To improve the sustainability and feasibility of this process, the transfer and capture of CO2 must be highly efficient. The use of non-porous hollow fiber membranes has shown the ability to achieve >80% efficiency in transferring CO2 into the culture. When using industrial gases, it is necessary to continually vent the inert (non-CO2) gases to maintain higher delivery rates of CO2. This has led to the opportunity for selectively removing CO2 from biogas generated in anaerobic digestion and contains 30-40% CO2 and 60-70% CH4. The high concentration of CO2 limits the usefulness of the biogas and leads to it being flared instead of using it for power generation. By selectively removing the CO2 through algal cultivation, the resulting biogas is enriched to higher concentrations of CH4, making it more useful for
onsite combustion. This seminar presents the importance of carbon capture efficiency, membrane carbonation, and the results from outdoor trials at the City of Mesa’s Northwest Water Reclamation Plant with algae cultivation using raw biogas and reclaimed water.
About the speaker
Everett Eustance is a research scientist in the Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology at Arizona State University and is a leading scientist in the field of carbon capture and utilization in algal cultivation. His research and interests are focused on the integration and feasibility of algal technologies to help create a sustainable future. Eustance received his Bachelor of Science (2009) and Master of Science (2011) in chemical engineering from Montana State University, where he discovered his passion for algae. Eustance then further pursued his passion through research at the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation under Milton Sommerfeld where he received his doctorate in civil, environmental, and sustainable engineering (2015).