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

Gallagher, Joe A.; Turner, Lesley B.; Adams, Jessica M.M.; Dyer, Philip W.; Theodora, Michael K.

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


Authors

Joe A. Gallagher

Lesley B. Turner

Jessica M.M. Adams

Michael K. Theodora



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.

Citation

Gallagher, J. A., Turner, L. B., Adams, J. M., Dyer, P. W., & Theodora, M. K. (2016). Dewatering treatments to increase dry matter content of the brown seaweed, kelp (Laminaria digitata ((Hudson) JV Lamouroux)). Bioresource Technology, 224, 662-669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2016.11.091

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 22, 2016
Online Publication Date Nov 24, 2016
Publication Date Jan 1, 2016
Deposit Date Feb 15, 2017
Publicly Available Date Feb 15, 2017
Journal Bioresource Technology
Print ISSN 0960-8524
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 224
Pages 662-669
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2016.11.091
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1365405

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