Effect of Geographical Coordinates on Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Potential by Microalgae

Abstract

Abstract-There is a huge urge currently for the new, clean and renewable energy as well as the protection of environmental resources for the sustainable livelihood of human. In recent decades, microalgae received lots of attention for its carbon dioxide capturing potential and as a valuable feedstock for bioenergy. This study aimed to analyze the effect of geographical coordinates on carbon dioxide sequestration by microalgae using mathematical models. Ten sites at three different latitudes were chosen for the study based on geographical location of the places in the Equator, Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. The key model input parameters such as solar radiation and other climatic conditions for the identified potential sites were retrieved from NASA, USA databases and used as basis for estimating annual microalgal biomass production and carbon sequestration potential. The variation in microalgal productivities and carbon dioxide sequestering potential were very minimal at countries present in the Equator while the Tropic of Capricorn has relatively higher productivities than the countries present in the Tropic of Cancer. This study provides a baseline data for theoretical estimates and effect of photoinhibition on microalgal photobioreactor production systems in the selected study locations.