Review on the recent structural advances in open and closed systems for carbon capture through algae

Abstract

Carbon capture has already been at the forefront of fighting global warming and ascending carbon dioxide emissions. To cumulate for a net-zero world by 2050, scientists believe carbon dioxide sequestration to play a consequential role. For achieving this near impossible, technologies ranging from simple chemical absorption and adsorption to novel membrane and biological methods have been studied. This review paper focus tentatively on one of the many carbon capture methods- the biological algal systems. Algae has nearly forty times the photosynthesis rate than normal terrestrial organisms, and a circular bio-economy involving algae lead to diversification of feedstock and raw materials. After a short overview on the requisite for carbon capture and other technologies, the article discuss the general strategies for macroalgae and microalgae mediated systems and their applicability. Recent developments in the open raceway pond systems and the closed photobioreactor systems have been reviewed extensively, and novel strategies have also been focused on. A brief discussion has also been added to understand the relation of carbon capture technologies and their implications on the Energy-Water-Food nexus. The present article also discuss the future roadmap for new research and development works that need to take place and how the integration of certain different subjects can render microalgae as a prosperous commercial feedstock.

Keywords

• Carbon capture
• Microalgae cultivation
• Open raceway ponds
• Closed systems
• Photobioreactors
• Microalgae carbon capture