Maxence Plouviez

Doctor of Philosophy, (Environmental Engineering)
Study Completed: 2017
College of Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
N2O synthesis by micoalgae: Pathway, significance and mitigations

Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon

In recent years, billions of dollars have been invested in microalgal biotechnologies with the main belief that microalgae-based products such as biofuels and animal feed, and microalgae-based services such as pollution control, have intrinsic low carbon footprints. This is, however, without considering that microalgae can generate the potent greenhouse gas and ozone depleting pollutant, nitrous oxide (N2O). Using laboratory biochemical assays, Mr Plouviez determined the pathway of N2O synthesis in a model microalga strain. He also focused on monitoring N2O emissions during microalgal cultivation and estimated that emissions generated during microalgal cultivation for biofuel production could have a significant environmental impact. Based on the data, he established preliminary tools to predict N2O emissions during microalgal cultivation and also proposed mitigations strategies. Overall, his research provided valuable insights in the field of microalgal biology and biotechnology with regard to climate change.

Supervisors
Professor Benoit Guieysse
Dr Mike Packer
Professor Andrew Shilton

Publications

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) production in axenic Chlorella vulgaris microalgae cultures: evidence, putative pathways, and potential environmental impacts. 2013. B. Guieysse, M. Plouviez, M. Coilhac, Biogeosciences 10, 6737-6746