Co-hydrothermal gasification of microbial sludge and algae Kappaphycus alvarezii for bio-hydrogen production: Study on aqueous phase reforming

In this study, wastewater obtained froma sewage treatment plant was treated successively by using microbial consortium and macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii to generate microbial sludge and algal biomass. The production of green fuel was carried out via co-gasification of microbial sludge and macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii for a duration of 60 min, feedstock to solvent ratio (5 to 20 g of feedstock in 200 mL), sludge to algae ratio (ranging from 1:1 to 3:1) and temperature (300-400 degrees C) respectively. Maximum bio-hydrogen yield was 36.1% and methane yield was 38.4% at a temperature of 360 degrees C at a feedstock to solvent ratio of 15:200 g/mL and sludge to algae ratio of 2:1 individually. The liquid by product of cogasification process was later subjected to photocatalytic reforming, resulted in an enhanced hydrogen composition of 61.25%. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, wastewater was treated using a microbial consortium and macroalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii to generate microbial sludge and algal biomass, which were then co-gasified to produce green fuel. The maximum bio-hydrogen yield reached 36.1% and methane yield was 38.4%, with an enhanced hydrogen composition of 61.25% achieved through photocatalytic reforming of the liquid byproduct of the cogasification process.