The photosynthetic growth action spectrum of a green alga at three bands of visible light (blue, orange, and red) at fixed quanta input and under light-limiting conditions was measured in a batch cultivation system. Quantum efficiencies (biomass dry weight increment per quanta absorbed) were better in the yellow-red region than in the blue region. Results served as a basis for the design and optimization of a dye system that would shift the energy of solar radiation to the required wavelength range by absorbing ultraviolet to blue radiation and emitting in the yellow-red, thus enhancing algae growth. Direct incorporation of dyes into the growth medium, although theoretically expected to enhance growth, in fact resulted in dye decomposition, toxicity to algae and consequently in growth inhibition. Indirect application of dyes in a double tubular reactor (algae inside and dye solution outside) demonstrated growth enhancement for certain dyes with high quantum yields and stability, which had suitable absorption/emission spectra for artificial light sources used. The maximum indirect growth enhancement was obtained using rhodamine 6G at a concentration of 3x10(-5)M with tungsten filament lamp sources.
SummaryBecause of the importance of the drop size distribution and interfacial area of the dispersed liquid phase in hydrocarbon fermentations, experiments were carried out to determine the drop size distribution and the interfacial area during batch fermentations of Candidu Zipolytica on gas oil and on n-hexadecane dissolved in dewaxed gas oil. The effects of cell concentration and dispersed phase volume fraction on size distribution and interfacial area were investigated. Measurements of interfacial tensions, densities, viscosities, and fatty acid concentrations were also made. The results show that the size distribution is skewed and that the Sauter mean diameter is in the range of 10 to 30 p. Both the Sauter mean diameter and the interfacial area increased during the course of a batch fermentation; however, they decreased at the end of the fermentation. The interfacial area also increased with inoculum size.
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