Modeling and improving arrayed microalgal biofilm attached culture system

A microalgal biofilm-attached-system is an alternative cultivation method, that offers potential advantages of improved biomass productivity, efficient harvesting, and water saving. These biofilm systems have been widely tested and utilized for microalgal biomass production and wastewater treatment. This research a microalgal growth model for the biofilm attached culture system has been developed and experimentally validated, both, in single and arrayed biofilm systems. It has been shown that the model has the capability to accurately describe microalgae growth. Moreover, via the model simulation, it was observed that system structural parameters, light dilution rate, and light intensity significantly affected the culture performance. The limitations, and improvement aspects of the model, are also discussed in this study. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a mathematical model for an arrayed-biofilm-attached-system has been developed and validated. This model will certainly be helpful in the design, improvement, optimization, and evaluation of the biofilm-attached-systems.

Automated summary

The microalgal biofilm-attached-system offers advantages of improved biomass productivity, efficient harvesting, and water saving. A growth model for the biofilm attached culture system has been developed and validated, showing its capability to describe microalgae growth accurately. System structural parameters, light dilution rate, and light intensity significantly affect the culture performance, and this model will be helpful in design, improvement, optimization, and evaluation of biofilm-attached-systems.