Optimization of Flocculation Parameters for Efficient Microalgal Biomass Harvesting: A Response Surface Methodology Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt

2 Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

Abstract

Efficient microalgal biomass harvesting is a major bottleneck in the commercial utilization of microalgae for biofuels, nutraceuticals, and wastewater treatment. This study optimizes the flocculation parameters for Chlorella sp. and Monoraphidium sp. using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to enhance sedimentation efficiency while minimizing chemical usage. Growth kinetics analysis identified the optimal harvesting times for both species, after which flocculation efficiency was systematically evaluated under varying ferric chloride (FeCl₃) concentrations, pH levels, and salinity conditions. The optimized conditions for Chlorella sp. were FeCl₃ at 49.4 mg L⁻¹, pH 5.6, and salinity 18.2 ppt, achieving a flocculation efficiency of 93.6%. For Monoraphidium sp., the highest efficiency (89.2%) was obtained at FeCl₃ 66.1 mg L⁻¹, pH 5.6, and salinity 11.5 ppt. The RSM model exhibited strong predictive accuracy, with an R² value of 99.07% for Chlorella sp. and 94.83% for Monoraphidium sp., confirming its reliability in optimizing biomass recovery. Statistical analysis indicated that pH and flocculant concentration were the most influential factors governing flocculation efficiency. These findings demonstrate a cost-effective and scalable approach for improving microalgal harvesting, reducing energy-intensive processing, and enhancing the economic viability of microalgae-based bioproducts.

Keywords

Mansoura Journal of Biology
Volume 72, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 41-48

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