Stability of alginate encapsulation beads for microalgae cultivation

Abstract

This research investigated the preparation of calcium alginate beads by encapsulation technique for algae cultivation for biofuel. The effects of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) to sodium alginate ratios of 3:0.5, 4:0.5, and 5:0.5 were tested for physical, chemical and biological stabilities. Solutions at pH of 2, 4, 7, 9, and, 11 were tested. The effects of different medium including tap water, fertilizer water (FER), effluent anaerobic digestor 5% dilution (EAD5) and 10% dilution (EAD10) with tap water, a raw domestic sewage (RSW) were evaluated. The results show that the bead can with stand most tested conditions except for biological stability test that use effluent from anaerobic digestor (60-80% stable). Further study on algae growth in those conditions (CaCl₂: SA ratio) is required.