Studies on NOx removal using Dunaliella salina algae in photobioreactors

The capability of an algal species to remove NO2 and NO in the simulated flue gas was established using Dunaliella sauna in Photobioreactors under two variants of NOx sources. The concentrations studies were in the range between 25ppm to 150ppm. The diffusion of NOx and subsequent reaction with water resulted in NO3- and NO2- in the growth medium. Algal growth by absorption of NO3- and NO2- created a nitrate gradient in the bulk medium resulting in NOx uptake rates from the gas phase of up to 96%, leaving the unconsumed nitrogen of up to 7 mg-N/L in the growth medium. Algal species having an initial cell density of 2.8x105 cells/mL grew to the cell density of 1.73x107 cells/mL and dry weight of 262 mg/L. The Nitrogen content of cells varied from 3-6%. The treatment of NOx in Photobioreactors was investigated with reference to the gas removal efficiency, cell growth and total nitrogen content in the biomass