106001Advanced multi-variable modelling for the optimisation of the industrial use of microalgaeClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKNew legislation has highlighted the need for nutrients, such as phosphorous, in wastewater (WW) discharges to be reduced to protect our environment. The water treatment industry currently uses metal salt dosing (MSD) to precipitate the phosphorous into a sludge which can then be removed and disposed of. However, this method has numerous drawbacks such as requiring hazardous chemicals for pH balancing, producing large volumes of waste, and being unsustainable. Therefore, many WW operators do not see MSD as a viable treatment method to meet new legislation. Microalgae are single-celled aquatic organisms that can use the energy from light to take up simple nutrients from their environment along with CO2. When used in a controlled system, microalgae can be used to remove contaminants from WW. Algae can also remove other hazardous substances e.g. heavy metals, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, effectively cleaning the water. Industrial-Phycology (I-PHYC) has developed a new technology based on the industrial application of microalgae for the sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment of WW. I-PHYC's process is a modern, modular system, which can treat WW to meet current and future legislation. The process is weather and sun independent, ensuring year-round consistent water treatment. The unique design allows the process to be applied to a variety of water treatment sites. I-PHYC's current demonstration process at Weston-Super-Mare is the largest algal process in the UK. During the development of this facility there has been considerable interest from the WW sector. However, it has been highlighted that this process would not be adopted until the energy consumption is reduced to <25 Kw/h. I-PHYC has identified several areas where energy use could be reduced without impacting performance. However, to optimise our units using traditional scientific methods would require hundreds of hours of labour and significant investment, while not fully accounting for the complexity of the variables. Support though 'A4I' has connected I-PHYC with the National Physical Laboratory and National Engineering Laboratory, world leading modelling facilities. They will create advanced models of our technology, which will allow I-PHYC to understand how the optimal combination of mixing method, and lighting dispersion can be utilised to reduce energy consumption. The ideal model scenario can be tested in our unique testing facilities and the data gained fed-back into the NPL model. Once a robust model is created I-PHYC can then make informed multi-layered investment decisions, allowing the I-PHYC process to establish itself has a competitive, sustainable WW process.Awaiting Public Project Summary