Algae-Based Water Treatment for Nitrogen Removal and Microplastic Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional denitrification methods in onshore aquaculture do not effectively remove nitrogen compounds and microplastics, leading to facility complexity due to the need for additional apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment method utilizing algae with microplastic adsorption and recovery ability to adsorb and remove microplastics and nitrogen compounds, producing substances like astaxanthin and β-carotene while maintaining a suitable environment for algae growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional denitrification means (activated sludge or bacteria) are used, then nitrogen compounds can be removed, but microplastics cannot be recovered and facility complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines denitrification and microplastic recovery functions into a single algae-based treatment system. Algae simultaneously perform nitrogen compound removal through denitrification and microplastic adsorption, eliminating the need for separate treatment apparatus and reducing facility complexity while maintaining reliable nitrogen removal
Solution Approach 2:
Algae are employed as a universal solution that performs multiple functions: denitrification for nitrogen compound removal, microplastic adsorption for microplastic recovery, and production of valuable substances. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized systems, simplifying the overall facility structure
2Reliability
If additional apparatus for microplastic recovery is added, then microplastics can be recovered, but facility complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges microplastic recovery with denitrification by using algae that can adsorb microplastics while simultaneously removing nitrogen compounds. This integration eliminates the need for separate microplastic recovery apparatus, reducing facility complexity while ensuring reliable microplastic removal
Solution Approach 2:
Algae naturally adsorb microplastics through their cell surfaces and sticky substances without requiring external recovery apparatus. The system uses the algae's inherent properties to achieve microplastic recovery, eliminating the need for additional mechanical or chemical recovery systems
3Reliability
If algae are used for purification, then both nitrogen compounds and microplastics are removed, but algae growth requires controlled conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Algae perform self-purification by naturally adsorbing microplastics and removing nitrogen compounds through their metabolic processes. The system leverages the algae's inherent biological properties rather than requiring complex external control systems, simplifying operation while maintaining high purification efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes algae growth by adjusting environmental parameters such as light intensity, temperature, and nutrient availability. These parameter changes create ideal conditions for algae to maximize their purification capabilities while remaining manageable, balancing purification efficiency with operational simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Efficient removal of nitrogen compounds and recovery of microplastics, producing valuable substances like astaxanthin and β-carotene, simplifying aquaculture facilities by integrating algae-based purification.
Implementation Method 1
allowing algae having a microplastic adsorption and recovery ability to be present in the water to be treated, recovering the microplastics from the water to be treated
Implementation Method 2
removing the nitrogen compounds from the water to be treated
Implementation Method 3
producing substances like astaxanthin and β-carotene
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technique capable of efficiently removing nitrogen contained in water to be treated and efficiently recovering microplastics from the water to be treated. An aspect of the present invention is a water treatment system 10 including an aquaculture tank 20 and a water treatment tank 30. Aquatic organisms are cultivated in the aquaculture tank 20. In the water treatment tank 30, algae having a microplastic adsorption and recovery ability grow in the water to be treated introduced from the aquaculture tank 20. The microplastics contained in the water to be treated are recovered, and the nitrogen compounds contained in the water to be treated are removed, by the algae.