Optimization of Chlorella vulgaris Flocculation Using Response Surface Methodology

Flocculation of Chlorella vulgaris using Poly aluminum chloride (PAC) was optimized by theresponse surface methodology. The factors that affected the flocculation efficiency were in the order flocculation duration>initial OD value of C.vulgaris>PAC concentration. The optimized flocculation conditions included a PAC concentration of 57 mg·L^-1, an initial OD value of C.vulgaris of 2.06, and flocculation for 18 min to achieve a maximized efficiency of 95.82%.