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Large-Scale Microalgae Cultivation in Agricultural Wastewaters for Biofixation of CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Abatement

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-04ER83988
Agency Tracking Number: 76092B04-I
Amount: $99,958.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 22
Solicitation Number: DOE/SC-0075
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
11125 Flintkote Avenue
San Diego, CA 92121
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Michael Massingill
 Mr.
 (858) 452-5765
 mmassingill@kentseatech.com
Business Contact
 Barbara Cota
Title: Ms.
Phone: (858) 452-5765
Email: bcota@kentseatech.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

76092-Novel, cost-effective technologies are needed to stabilize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Microalgae have been shown to be able to fix carbon dioxide (CO2) at high rates, producing a biomass that can be converted to fuels and chemicals to replace fossil fuels. However, additional research is needed to increase the efficiency of CO2 fixation and develop techniques for managing algal cultures in large-scale applications. This project will develop large-scale microalgae-based carbon sequestration technologies using power plant flue gases for CO2 and agricultural wastewaters as nutrient sources. The algal biomass harvested from the mass culture ponds will be converted to methane fuel, a substitute for fossil fuels, with the residues used as fertilizers. In Phase I, novel strains of microalgae with high capacity for CO2 fixation will be isolated and cultured on nutrient-rich agricultural wastewaters, to demonstrate the potential of the technology. Also, an innovative means for harvesting the algal biomass and converting it to biofuels (methane gas) will be investigated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the capture and recycling of power plant flue gas CO2, the new process should result in the production of biofuels and fertilizers. Because these products will provide sufficient revenue, the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions can be accomplished, even without a commercial return from this beneficial function.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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