Inventory of Sources of Available Saline Waters for Microalgae Mass Culture in the State of Arizona

Abstract

Summary: The Arizona Water Resources Research Center was contracted by the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI) to conduct an inventory of saline water resources within the State of Arizona. The purpose of this inventory was to identify on the basis of availability, chemistry, sustained yield, and institutional factors, the potential saline water supplies sufficient to maintain a microalgae production facility for eventual conversion of the algal biomass to synthetic fuel. Criteria for the inventory were specified by SERI. The six subtasks associated with the project are identified on the attached flow chart. The method of investigation involved a literature and data survey and interviews with key personnel in government or quasi-official agencies. The principal data are included in the report together with a list of contacts. As a result of the survey conducted by the Water Resources Research Center, six focal areas with saline ground-water resources were identified and ranked. The report includes a summary of the selection methodology, a description of the hydrogeology of each site and a thorough discussion of relevant institutional considerations, including permitting requirements under current ground-water associated laws in Arizona. Detailed maps are included of the saline surface water and ground-water sources. Recommendations are included for further evaluation by SERI of areas potentially suitable for a project.