Lukoil mulls use of microalgae for CO2 capture
MOSCOW. July 17 (Interfax) - Lukoil and partners are developing a method to capture CO2 capture using microalgae, the Russian oil company said in its 2022 Sustainability Report.
Lukoil, together with its partners, is implementing a project to develop a technology for utilization of flue gases produced at power facilities. Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) cyanobacterium was selected for the study as one of the most widely cultivated in the world.
At the initial stage of the project, the study of the effectiveness of CO2 capture by microalgae from the gas-air mixture with different CO2 concentration levels was completed. The experiments included measuring the change in the optical density of the spirulina suspension and the CO2 concentration in the laboratory chamber. The results of the tests revealed the conditions under which maximum efficiency of CO2 removal is achieved in the process of microorganism growth. Research into the viability of other variants at high levels of CO2 concentrations also began.
"The results suggest the prospects of creating artificial biotechnological hubs (carbon polygons) for effective CO2 capture using microalgae. It is possible to produce food and feed additives, fertilizers, and carbon-free biofuel from the CO2 biomass obtained in the process of utilization," the report says.
Lukoil also said its oil refinery in Bulgaria is implementing the LIFE Wateroil project aimed at improving the environmental situation in the Burgas region and reducing fresh water withdrawal from Lake Mandra through the construction of modern treatment facilities that contribute to increasing the share of reused water. The equipment will include an aeration system to ensure oxygenation of the treated wastewater. The project partner company has designed and produced under laboratory conditions nine enzymic and biological products that are tailored to LIFE Wateroil needs and can be used in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.
"Powder bioactivators will be used to decompose molecules in closed pipeline systems, and liquid bioactivators will be sprayed in the air around the treatment facilities and absorb the odor-causing molecules. In addition, the partner company selected a microorganism capable of living in water solutions with a high hydrocarbon content from among its microbiological collection. Due to its metabolic properties, the microorganism effectively decomposes hydrocarbons without adding any feed," Lukoil said.
Launched in 2022, the project is expected to be completed in 2024.