The effects of light and temperature on microalgal growth and nutrient removal: an experimental and mathematical approach

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2016

Authors

Ana L. Gonçalves (Author) FEUP; José C. M. Pires (Author) FEUP; Manuel Simões (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: RSC Advances

Vol. 6 No. 27

Pages: 22896-22907

ISSN: 2046-2069

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 30 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 42 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Process engineering > Bioprocess engineering ; Technological sciences > Engineering > Project engineering

FOS: Engineering and technology > Environmental engineering

Associated Projects

LEPAE/CEFT - RL2 - (Bio) Chemical Engineering: Multi-Scale Approaches for Sustainable Environment and Health

LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-9FW

DOI: 10.1039/c5ra26117a

Abstract (EN): Cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria has been intensified in the last decades, due to the numerous applications described for these microorganisms. However, the high process costs associated with biomass production systems reduce the economic feasibility of microalgal/cyanobacterial cultivation. A better understanding of the effects of light and temperature on growth kinetics will contribute to the improvement of biomass productivities and reduce the costs associated with the optimization of culture parameters. In this study, the effects of average daily light irradiance and temperature on growth and nutrient removal were assessed using Chlorella vulgaris, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Synechocystis salina and Microcystis aeruginosa. Additionally, a mathematical model relating specific growth rates with these variables was developed. Both kinetic growth parameters and nutrient removal had similar responses to light and temperature: increasing light supply, higher specific growth rates, biomass productivities and nutrient removal efficiencies were achieved. Among the studied temperatures, all microorganisms presented higher biomass productivities and nutrient removal efficiencies at 25 degrees C. Regarding the results from the mathematical model, the optimal temperature for the selected microorganisms was 25.3 +/- 1.1 degrees C. On the other hand, the optimal average daily light irradiances varied with the species, being 208, 258, 178 and 140 mu E m(-2) s(-1) for C. vulgaris, P. subcapitata, S. salina and M. aeruginosa, respectively.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12