Effect of CO(2) and metal-rich waste water on bioproduct potential of the diazotrophic freshwater cyanobacterium, Tolypothrix sp.

Continued economic growth is reliant on stable, affordable energy, requiring at present fossil fuel-derived energy production. Coal-fired power stations produce metal-rich but macro-nutrient-poor waste waters and emit flue gas, containing ∼10% CO(2). Algae and cyanobacteria remediate metals and CO(2), but use of N(2)-fixing (diazotrophic) cyanobacteria can reduce nitrogen-fertilization costs. The resulting biomass represents a promising source for biofuel and bio-product development. This study investigated the effect of CO(2)- and trace metals on growth performance, biochemical profiles and metal content of the freshwater diazotrophic cyanobacterium Tolypothrix sp. to assess bioproduct potential. Aerated 2 L batch cultures were grown in simulated ash-dam water (SADW) and BG11 without nitrogen (BG11(-N) controls). Supplied air was supplemented with either 15% CO(2) or not (non-CO(2) controls). CO(2) supplementation resulted in 2.4 and 3.3-fold higher biomass productivities and 1.3 and 1.2-fold higher phycocyanin and phycoerythrin contents, whilst metals (media) had no effect. Al, Cu, Ni and V were more efficiently removed (50–90%) with CO(2)-addition, while As, Mo, Se and Sr removal was higher (30–87%) for non-CO(2) controls. No significant effect on Zn and Fe removal was evident. Calculated biomass metal concentrations, at quantities required to meet N-requirements of wheat, suggests no metal toxicity when applied as a mineral-nitrogen biofertilizer. With a carbohydrate content of 50%, the biomass is also suitable for bioethanol production. In summary, Tolypothrix sp. raised in ash dam waste water supplemented with flue gas CO(2) could yield high-value phycobiliproteins, bioethanol or biogas, and mineral-rich nitrogen fertilizer which would offset remediation costs and improve agricultural productivity.