The site
For whom is this site meant ?
We like to provide information to the scientific community, industry and society for collaborations in future research projects.
Can we do a project together with you ?
Please contact us via the contact page and indicate the kind of collaboration you want with us. We will contact you shortly after we receive your email.
How can I contact you ?
Please contact us via the contact page, preferably by email.
Growth related questions
Which species should I use ?
This completely depends on the system in which you want to grow the algae and on the product that you want to obtain.
How should I grow algae ?
Please first take a look at the growth and production pages. If you want more advice on growing algae, we will charge you a fee depending on the hours spent.
What is the best way to harvest microalgae ?
Several techniques are available (centrifuging, membrane filtration and flocculation) . Depending on the characteristics of the species, one of these methods can be selected.
Can ultrasound be used to harvest algae ?
On a commercial scale, ultrasound is too costly and not possible due to heat generation and cavitation leading to air bubbles. Centrifuging, membrane filtration and flocculation are better methods to use and less costly.
Potentials
How much biomass can we grow in the Netherlands ?
Calculations show that the maximum theoretical biomass productivity in the south of Spain is about 280 tonnes. ha-1. year-1 (link to production potentials). In the Netherlands, this would be about 140 tonnes . ha-1. year-1. However, in an open pond and horizontal tubular reactors, productions in the Netherlands will be about 30 to 50 tonnes. ha-1. year-1 , respectively.
Can biodiesel ever compete with oil ?
As stated in the page economic feasibility, more research and the use of the biomass for other products - and not solely for biodiesel production - could enable biodiesel production with algae to compete with oil in about 10 years from now.
Privacy
Can pictures from this website be used?
Pictures from this website can be used freely, if the source (www.algae.wur.nl) is mentioned.