Biodesalination: an emerging technology for targeted removal of Na+and Cl−from seawater by cyanobacteria

Minas, K., Karunakaran, E., Bond, Thomas, Gandy, C., Honsbein, A., Madsen, M., Amezaga, J., Amtmann, A., Templeton, M.R., Biggs, C.A. et al and Lawton, L. (2014) Biodesalination: an emerging technology for targeted removal of Na+and Cl−from seawater by cyanobacteria Desalination and Water Treatment, 55 (10). pp. 2647-2668.

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Abstract

Although desalination by membrane processes is a possible solution to the problem of freshwater supply, related cost and energy demands prohibit its use on a global scale. Hence, there is an emerging necessity for alternative, energy and cost-efficient methods for water desalination. Cyanobacteria are oxygen-producing, photosynthetic bacteria that actively grow in vast blooms both in fresh and seawater bodies. Moreover, cyanobacteria can grow with minimal nutrient requirements and under natural sunlight. Taking these observations together, a consortium of five British Universities was formed to test the principle of using cyanobacteria as ion exchangers, for the specific removal of Na+ and Cl− from seawater. This project consisted of the isolation and characterisation of candidate strains, with central focus on their potential to be osmotically and ionically adaptable. The selection panel resulted in the identification of two Euryhaline strains, one of freshwater (Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803) and one of marine origin (Synechococcus sp. Strain PCC 7002) (Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen). Other work packages were as follows. Genetic manipulations potentially allowed for the expression of a light-driven, Cl−-selective pump in both strains, therefore, enhancing the bioaccumulation of specific ions within the cell (University of Glasgow). Characterisation of surface properties under different salinities (University of Sheffield), ensured that cell–liquid separation efficiency would be maximised post-treatment, as well as monitoring the secretion of mucopolysaccharides in the medium during cell growth. Work at Newcastle University is focused on the social acceptance of this scenario, together with an assessment of the potential risks through the generation and application of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points plan. Finally, researchers in Imperial College (London) designed the process, from biomass production to water treatment and generation of a model photobioreactor. This multimodal approach has produced promising first results, and further optimisation is expected to result in mass scaling of this process.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions :	Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > Civil and Environmental Engineering
Authors :	Name Email ORCID Minas, K. Karunakaran, E. Bond, Thomas t.bond@surrey.ac.uk Gandy, C. Honsbein, A. Madsen, M. Amezaga, J. Amtmann, A. Templeton, M.R. Biggs, C.A. Lawton, L.
Date :	13 October 2014
Funders :	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Identification Number :	10.1080/19443994.2014.940647
Copyright Disclaimer :	© 2014 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, providedthe original work is properly cited. The moral rights of the named author(s) have been asserted.
Uncontrolled Keywords :	Biodesalination; Osmolytes; Biotechnological screening; Sustainable; Remediation
Depositing User :	Clive Harris
Date Deposited :	21 Nov 2017 09:38
Last Modified :	15 Mar 2018 08:14
URI:	http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/id/eprint/844964

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