In this study, Mg-sericite was used as a flocculant to harvest freshwater microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. Mg-sericite separated successfully >99% of the C. vulgaris at the following optimal parameters: sericite and MgCl2 ratio (S/M ratio) of 45 to 15, mixing time of 5 min, mixing rate 100 to 150 rpm and settling time of 5 min. The harvesting efficiency was pH dependent. The highest harvesting efficiency (99 ± 0.3%) was obtained at S/M ratio 40 and pH 9-11. These results indicated that a biopolymer, Mg-sericite, can be a promising flocculant due to its high efficiency, low-dose requirements, and short mixing and settling times. In addition, Mg-sericite does not contaminate the growth medium, which can be recycled to reduce not only the cost and the demand for water, but also the extra operational costs for reusing the growth medium. This harvesting method is helpful to lower the production cost of algae for biodiesel.
Keywords: Biomass; Clay; Flocculation; Harvesting; Mg-sericite; Microalgae.