RT info:eu-repo/semantics/doctoralThesis
T1 Optimización de cultivos de microalgas para el tratamiento de aguas residuales ganaderas y limpieza de biogás
A1 Ruiz Palomar, César
A2 Universidad de Valladolid. Escuela de Doctorado
K1 Microalgas
K1 Biomethane
K1 Biometano
K1 Microalgae
K1 Microalgas
K1 Phycoremediation
K1 Ficorremediación
K1 Photosynthetic upgrading
K1 Upgrading fotosintético
K1 3308 Ingeniería y Tecnología del Medio Ambiente
AB The cultivation of microalgae represents a promising and sustainable solution to current environmental challenges, particularly in wastewater treatment and CO¿ capture. This thesis explores the use of microalgae as an integrated technology for water purification and the photosynthetic upgrading of biogas, with the aim of maximizing the efficiency of both processes at low cost and with high environmental value. Various approaches were investigated to improve the efficiency of microalgae cultivation in digestates, such as pre-ozonation to remove the dark color of the effluent, which enabled greater photosynthetic activity without compromising biomass production. Although nutrient removal did not improve significantly, the study revealed the potential of ozonation as a competitive pretreatment compared to conventional alternatives. In addition, a full-scale photosynthetic biogas upgrading system was developed and evaluated, demonstrating its technical and economic feasibility on pig farms. The cultivation of microalgae enabled the removal of CO¿ and H¿S from the biogas, producing high-purity biomethane (>95%) with low capital and operating costs, and substantial energy and economic benefits. Subsequently, the process was optimized by analyzing operational variables such as hydraulic retention time and liquid/gas ratio, achieving biomethane concentrations above 96% and system stability under real outdoor conditions. This technology met the specifications for its use as compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles. Finally, the continuous treatment of livestock digestate was evaluated in a high-rate algal pond under real seasonal conditions. The results showed high efficiency in the removal of nutrients, organic matter, and pathogens, with a remarkable physiological adaptability of the microalgae to environmental variations. Overall, the results confirm that the use of microalgae is not only effective in wastewater purification and biomethane production, but also offers an environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative to enhance the sustainability of the agricultural sector and mitigate its environmental impact.
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/79771
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/79771
LA spa
NO Escuela de Doctorado
DS UVaDOC
RD 18-nov-2025