Development of a hybrid photo-bioreactor and nanoparticle adsorbent system for the removal of CO2,and selected organic and metal co-pollutants

Fossil fuel combustion and many industrial processes generate gaseous emissions that contain a number of toxic organic pollutants and carbon dioxide（CO_2） which contribute to climate change and atmospheric pollution.There is a need for green and sustainable solutions to remove air pollutants,as opposed to conventional techniques which can be expensive,consume additional energy and generate further waste.We developed a novel integrated bioreactor combined with recyclable iron oxide nano/micro-particle adsorption interfaces,to remove CO_2,and undesired organic air pollutants using natural particles,while generating oxygen.This semi-continuous bench-scale photo-bioreactor was shown to successfully clean up simulated emission streams of up to 45% CO_2 with a conversion rate of approximately 4%CO_2 per hour,generating a steady supply of oxygen（6 mmol/hr）,while nanoparticles effectively remove several undesired organic by-products.We also showed algal waste of the bioreactor can be used for mercury remediation.We estimated the potential CO_2 emissions that could be captured from our new method for three industrial cases in which,coal,oil and natural gas were used.With a 30% carbon capture system,the reduction of CO_2 was estimated to decrease by about 420,000,320,000 and 240,000 metric tonnes,respectively for a typical 500 MW power plant.The cost analysis we conducted showed potential to scale-up,and the entire system is recyclable and sustainable.We further discuss the implications of usage of this complete system,or as individual units,that could provide a hybrid option to existing industrial setups.

Particuology and climate change

The global concern over the greenhouse gas emissions and its effect on global warming and climate change has focused attention on the necessity of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration. There are many processes proposed to capture carbon either before or after combustion and these processes invariably involve investigation and application of traditional particuology. The solids employed are of different sizes, densities, morphologies, and strengths. Their handling, transportation, recirculation, and reactor applications are the essence of ＇particuology＇. Particuology can play an important and vital role in achieving cost-effective removal of carbon and minimize emissions of greenhouse gases. In this paper, the existing and developing carbon capture processes are briefly reviewed and the opportunities for application of particuology are identified. The review was not intended to be exhaustive. It is only in sufficient detail to make connection between particuology and climate change. For immediate and future challenges of reducing global warming and carbon capture and sequestration, innovative reactor design and application of parricuology is imperative. Expertise and innovation in particuology can greatly enhance the speed of development of those technologies and help to achieve cost-effective implementation. Particuology is indeed intimately related to the climate change and global warming.