Grantee Research Project Results
Feasibility of on-farm microalgal cultivation for dairy feed supplement through integration of anaerobic digestion of farmwaste
EPA Grant Number: SU840583Title: Feasibility of on-farm microalgal cultivation for dairy feed supplement through integration of anaerobic digestion of farmwaste
Investigators: Rogers, Shane , Ferro, Andrea , Grimberg, Stefan J.
Institution: Clarkson University
EPA Project Officer: Brooks, Donald
Phase: I
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024
Project Amount: $25,000
RFA: 19th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2022) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards
Description:
Reducing the emission of greenhouse gases from dairy farms will have a direct positive impact on the planet. By localizing feed production and on-site energy, the need for additional transport and excess resources is eliminated, resulting in a more sustainable approach to agriculture. Additionally, the cost of feed and import will be reduced and the health of livestock will improve, resulting in more prosperous sales. The potential implementation of this project directly benefits a wide range of stakeholders. Workshops as part of a sister project will be held for farmers to gauge and increase understanding for system adoption. Outreach and educational opportunities will be provided to the K-12 school districts within the local community.
Objective:
Our main objective is to study the feasibility of growing microalgae using energy and nutrients produced via anaerobic digestion of farm waste. To do so, we will investigate the best algal species to incorporate into livestock diets and whether the energy produced from anaerobic digestion of the manure would be sufficient to grow a steady supply of algae on-site. This will require extensive laboratory testing and calculations as well as trial-based experimentation. A process model will be developed that will use mass and energy balances to determine the optimal parameters for the system.
Expected Results:
Determining the feasibility of growing microalgae from the energy produced via anaerobic digestion of farm waste will allow for streamlined implementation of using algae as a feed supplement for cows. If the system is found to be feasible, it will lead to the reduction of methane emissions in the agricultural sector. Along with the feasibility study, this research will generate a process model that will be able to be applied to life cycle and economic assessments, as well as allow for the system to be scaled due to individual farm needs.
Supplemental Keywords:
agriculture, anaerobic digestion, climate adaptation, greenhouse gas reduction, life cycle assessmentProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.