Dewatering treatments to increase dry matter content of the brown seaweed, kelp (Laminaria digitata ((Hudson) JV Lamouroux))

Joseph Gallagher, Lesley Turner, Jessica M. M. Adams, Philip W. Dyer, Michael K. Theodorou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)
269 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Macroalgal water content is an on-going problem for the use of readily accessible seaweeds in sustainable biorefining, including fuel production. Silage is a reduced-water, compactable, easily stored, transportable material. Ensiling could establish a non-seasonal supply of preserved algal biomass, but requires high initial dry matter content to mitigate environmental pollution risks from effluent. This study investigated potential dewatering methods for kelp harvested throughout the year. Treatments included air-drying, osmotic media and acids. Significant interactions between treatment and harvest-time were observed for traits of interest. Fresh weight loss during treatment was composed of changes in water and dry matter content. Air-drying gave reliable increase in final dry matter content; in summer and autumn 30% dry matter content was reached after 24 h. Dilute hydrochloric acid reduced stickiness and rendered material suitable for dewatering by screw-pressing; it may be possible to use the consequent pH reduction to promote efficient preservation
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)662-669
Number of pages8
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume224
Early online date24 Nov 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Jan 2017

Keywords

  • Biorefining-feedstock preservation
  • Ensiling
  • Macroalgae
  • Seasonal variation
  • Silage effluent production/reduction

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