Abstract
The aim of this project is to investigate recycling of carbon dioxide, nutrients and pollutants from flue gases and wastewaters using (North-) Swedish photosynthetic microorganisms such as algae and cyanobacteria. We have collected these organisms, analyze their growth under controlled and outdoor conditions and investigate their potential for biomass production. The following aspects are of highest importance for this application: We will analyze microorganisms adapted to the Nordic climate. We will use nitrogen-fixing strains and mixed cultures (photoautotroph/heterotroph) to prolong the annual growth season. Instead of providing expensive and energy demanding fertilized media to the algae and cyanobacteria, we will grow the micro-organisms on wastewater (municipal and industrial) and flue gases. This unique combination will help in preserving our environment and recycling scarce nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. We have formed a Nordic research environment consisting of research groups from Umeå University, SLU in Umeå and Luleå University of Technology to address this integrated microbial biomass production from a Swedish perspective; however, relevant at the global scale. Our combined competence in physiology, biochemistry, biophysics, green chemistry, environmental chemistry, and mathematical modelling gives us a unique position for approaching the challenge with integrated research ranging from precision at molecular level to relevance at pilot plant level.
Sweden