Facilitation of biomineralization for removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial waste gases

Research Project, 2024

We are facing the globe warming, both in land and oceans. The main driver of the globe warming is the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. CO2 accounts for 75% of GHG emission and mostly related to industrial production and energy production, which are key for our economic development. Sustainable development crucially depends on new technologies that promote both the economic growth and environmental protection, without compromising either.

Biomineralization is the process that living organisms produce carbonate-related minerals from CO2 by using inorganic compounds present in their environment, and has proved itself as an efficient and environmental compatibility solution in CO2 removal. Biomineralization is a straightforward chemical process, including three reactions: (1) CO2 + H2O ⇔ HCO3-+ H+ (2) HCO3- ⇔ CO32− + H+ (3) Ca2++ CO32−⇔ CaCO3. The first reaction is triggered by carbonic anhydrase (CA). The production of CAs is costly and therefore limits the utilization of biomineralization in industrial CO2 removal. Using CA-producing strains instead of using purified CAs in biomineralization process is a promising strategy to solve the bottleneck. We have succeeded in construction of CA-producing strains and the activity of CAs is higher than CAs from other studies.

In this project, we will subject our technology from lab scale to a pilot plant, and set up benchmark for scaling up. We will also combine our technology to wastewater treatment for paper industry. Wastewater from paper industry is characterized as rich in Ca2+ and nutrients. Organic compounds in wastewater can support cell growth; meanwhile, Ca2+ will facilitate CaCO3 production. The development of the processes will be guided by life cycle assessments (LCA).  The project is expected to boost research and business activities in the field of biotechnology, biosustainability and LCA. Our goal is to finally facilitate societal transformation to carbon-neutral sustainable growth.