Sustainable Microalgal Harvesting Process Applying Opuntia cochenillifera: Process Parameters Optimization

Microalgae harvesting by coagulation can use coagulant agents such as alum, synthetic polymers or biocoagulants. Biocoagulants have attracted the attention of researchers because they are natural, biodegradable, and promote high microalgal efficiencies. This study aims to optimize Chlorella vulgaris based on dosage Opuntia cochenillifera extract choice eluent for biopolymer extraction. The outdoor cultivation C. achieved a specific growth rate 0.455 d−1 maximum biomass concentration 1.28 gDW L−1. In order harvest biomass, polymer present in mucilage O. was extracted using NaOH HCl. Coagulation sedimentation assays were performed with different dosages: 3.5, 5.9, 8.2 g efficiencies acid alkaline solutions 80.8% 99.5%, respectively, 3.5 According results, be harvested from eluents. application this biocoagulant constitutes sustainable solution harvesting.