Optimization of Microalgal Biomass Production in Vertical Tubular Photobioreactors

Microalgal biomass is a promising alternative and renewable substrate for bioenergy production. The main problem for its commercial application is to obtain and keep a high level of production by providing microalgae with appropriate conditions for growth. The aim of this study was to determine optimal culture conditions such as temperature, photoperiod, and pH. The amount of biomass by gravimetry, optical density by spectrophotometry, and productivity were analyzed. Suitable values of cultivation parameters allowed for the increased growth and biomass productivity of Arthrospira platensis (4.24 g center dot L-1), Chlamydomonas reinchardtii (1.19 g center dot L-1), Chlorella vulgaris (2.37 g center dot L-1), and Dunaliella salina (4.50 g center dot L-1) and optical density for Ch. reinchardtii and C. vulgaris. These species had maximum biomass productivity of 0.72, 0.12, 0.36, and 0.77 g center dot L-1 center dot d(-1), respectively. Productivity was determined by cultivation temperature and for Ch. reinchardtii also by pH.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to determine optimal culture conditions for microalgae growth and biomass productivity. Suitable cultivation parameters allowed for increased growth and biomass productivity of several microalgae species. The productivity was influenced by cultivation temperature and pH for one of the species studied.