GrowingChlorella vulgarisin Photobioreactor by Continuous Process Using Concentrated Desalination: Effect of Dilution Rate on Biochemical Composition

Abstract

Desalination wastewater, which contains large amount of salt waste, might lead to severely environmental pollution. This study evaluated the effect of dilution rate (0.1 ≤ ≤ 0.3 day −1 ) on microalgal biomass productivity, lipid content, and fatty acid profile under steady-state condition of Chlorella vulgaris supplemented with concentrated desalination. Continuous culture was conducted for 55 days. Results show that the biomass productivity ( ) varied from 57 to 126 mg L −1 d −1 (dry mass) when the dilution rate ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 day −1 . At lowest dilution rate ( = 0.1 day −1 ), the continuous culture regime ensured the highest values of maximum biomass concentration ( = 570 ± 20 mL −1 ) and protein content (52%). Biomass lipid content was an increasing function of . The most abundant fatty acids were the palmitic (25.3 ± 0.6%) at = 0.1 day −1 and the gamma-linolenic acid (23.5 ± 0.1%) at = 0.3 day −1 ones. These fatty acids present 14 to 18 carbons in the carbon chain, being mainly saturated and polyunsaturated, respectively. Overall, the results show that continuous culture is a powerful tool to investigate the cell growth kinetics and physiological behaviors of the algae growing on desalination wastewater.

Chlorella vulgaris (SAG 211-12) biofilm formation capacity and proposal of a rotating flat plate photobioreactor for more sustainable biomass production

“…The biofilm produced in the novel RFPPB contained 10.3% lipids. This result is in accordance with the one found by Griffiths et al (2014) when cultivating C. vulgaris under Nreplete conditions and within the range determined by Matos et al (2014) for suspended cultures supplemented with desalination wastewater. However, the lipid content of the C. vulgaris cells attached to the RFPPB plates just reached the lowest value achieved by Münkel et al (2013) while using a flat panel airlift reactor.…”

How to combine CO2 abatement and starch production in Chlorella vulgaris

“…C. vulgaris showed a maximum productivity in a wide range of dilution rates, from 0.5 to 0.8 d −1 ; almost two times the optimal dilution rate found by Tang et al for Chlorella minutissima [35]. This capability of adapting its growth to different dilution rates has been reported in previous studies although in a smaller range of dilution rates [36,37]. Matos et al reported the maximum biomass productivity (0.12 g L −1 d −1 ) at 0.3 d −1 , lower than our result (0.56 g L −1 d −1 ) at the same dilution rate.…”

Effects of Environmental Factors on the Growth, Optical Density and Biomass of the Green Algae <i>Chlorella Vulgaris</i> in Outdoor Conditions

“…Molina et al (2000) reported that the used of PBRs for producing large amount of microalgae (Lebeau and Robert, 2003). It can be installed indoors, receiving artificial or be prepared outdoors, getting visible light (Matos et al, 2014). In present experiment evaluated the effect of the main environmental factors such as light, temperature and lux on optical density, biomass and growth of Chlorella vulgaris in outdoor conditions in bucket, tub and PBR in Qeshm Island in Iran.…”