Question
Microalgae are biofactories for biofunctional carotenoids, which are natural pigments used in food supplements and ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. However, freshly harvested microalgae biomass contains
Microalgae are biofactories for biofunctional carotenoids, which are natural pigments used in food supplements and ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. However, freshly harvested microalgae biomass contains high levels of water which must be significantly reduced for storage and transport. A batch of fresh microalgae biomass is harvested each week and typically has a moisture content of 80.5% (wet basis). This biomass must be dried to a moisture content of 12.0% dry basis. The processor requires 200.0 kg of dried biomass (total mass of microalgae at 12.0% moisture content dry basis) per week. To help solve, complete the following table. Please note that all calculations and answers must be provided separately. MC (%db) MC (%wb) Total Mass (kg) Water Mass (kg) Dry Mass (kg) Initial Conditions: MC (%wb) 80.5 Final Conditions: MC (%db) 12.0 Total Mass (kg) 200.0 a. Calculate the final moisture content (% wb) of the dried microalgae biomass. b. Determine the dry mass of microalgae. c. Calculate the total mass of freshly harvested biomass that must be generated each week. d. What mass of water must be removed per batch to generate the required amount of biomass?
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