Nitrogen Availability and the Nature of Extracellular Organic Matter of Microalgae

Abstract

Microalgae have the ability to assimilate atmospheric carbon dioxide and organic and inorganic pollutants while simultaneously producing a range of useful intracellular metabolites. Harvesting and concentrating microalgal suspensions, which is commonly performed via coagulation, flocculation, or filtration, is complex, owing to the dynamic character of the cells. The availability of nitrogen to the cells plays a crucial role in the synthesis of intracellular products and in the release of extracellular organic matter. These are expected to have an extensive impact on the harvesting/dewatering behavior. In this study, the role of nitrogen availability in the production and release of extracel..