I do not know whether you are using some filters to check light weight fly-ash particles before bubbling flue gases in micro-algal reactor or not?  In a case where all solid micro-particles are fully removed prior to bubbling flue gases, one may expect only volatile trace elements to enter in micro-algal reactor. Mostly volatile elements like that of S, Se, B, Mo, P, As etc. may enter in the reactor. 

Thank you Sir for your response. I am using a vacuum precipitator having 3 different sized  mesh to clean the raw flue gas before storing in cylinders. The flue gas from cylinders are then directly used to feed into microalgal reactors. Yes, I am getting all these heavy metals which you have mentioned. In addition to this, I could also get Ni, Zn, As, Co, Cu and Sn. What I am more worried is because of the concentration of Mo and Sn. Is it normal to encounter especially Mo in large quantity

Thanks

Well, I expect  Mo being a volatile element to occur along with flue gases. Your observations prove that filters being used are not able to trap fine size particles. Can you plan to bubble the gas in a closed chamber filled with water and feed the washed gas by a delivery tube emerging from the top of this closed chamber directly into your micro-algal tank. I think this strategy would help preventing toxic metals to check the growth of algae. I do not know whether the purpose of your research is to trap these metals into micro-algal mass or not.

Okay Sir. I can do that. Also, I will see if the filters could be upgraded. The purpose of my research is to fix CO2 into biomass and later assess the potential of CO2 sequestered biomass for animal feed applications. Thanks for your valuable response. Geetanjali

Dear Yadav

The work you are carrying out is very nice. The aim of your work is fixation of CO2 by biomass. It is a nice work and you will get good results. Through the processes of fixation, toxic metals can enter into biomass that would eventually transfered into animals. Ultimately, the toxic metals would be bioaccumulated that could harm man. I therefore, suggest you to measure Hg along with other metals that you have already selected.

All the best

karbassi

Dear Prof. Karbassi,

Thank you so much for your comments. I have measured Hg and other metals especially Cd,As,Se. Pb etc. and their concentrations were not really high in the biomass when I compared it with maximum permissible limits in drinking water and or plants as set by WHO guidelines. This looks good since my further aim is to assess the potential of biomass as feed. 

Thanks for your feedback.

Geetanjali