Mapping the performance of photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation: geographic position and local climate

Abstract

BACKGROUNDOver 90% of microalgae cultivations on a commercial scale are grown in outdoor systems, which means that the performance of these bioprocesses is dependent on the climatic conditions in each particular locality. Thus, the selection of suitable locations according to their climatic conditions is extremely important to develop technically and economically viable processes. This study aimed to assess the influence of geographic position and local climate on the microalgae culture performance in photobioreactors, as a strategy to map potential regions for commercial‐scale microalgae production. Six extreme positions of Brazil were chosen to represent their respective climates in the four seasons of the year.RESULTSThe climatic variables considered were temperature, light irradiance, and photoperiod. In terms of both biomass and lipid production in an annual overview, the results showed that tropical climates and low latitudes favor the microalgae culture. The highest annual average biomass productivity (0.278 g L−1 d−1) and annual average lipid productivity (0.056 g L−1 d−1) were recorded in Boa Vista‐RR (02° 49′ 12″ N), in summer.CONCLUSIONThe geographic position and the local climate are decisive criteria in the performance of these processes, being able to increase up to three and four times the biomass productivity and lipid productivity, respectively. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

Mapping the performance of photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation. Part II: equatorial and tropical climate zone

“…In sum, the geographical positions of tropical climate and dry (BWh and BSh) zones were those that presented the best productivity performance. Our findings are corroborated by Siqueira et al ., 28 who when assessing geographical positions of tropical and subtropical climate in Brazil, also reported satisfactory performances in tropical climates and low latitudes. Noteworthy, the latitude, as well as altitude, are geographical factors that define the spatial variation of the climatic elements (more specifically temperature and solar radiation), which, in turn, serve to define the climate type of a determined geographical position.…”

“…Climates characterized by milder temperatures were among those with the highest values of PUFAs, and the lowest values of SFAs and MUFAs, whereas climates characterized by higher temperatures, such as Aw, showed the opposite behavior. Siqueira et al 28 . observed the same when evaluatingthe FA profile of S. obliquus in tropical and subtropical climates.…”

“…The experiments were conducted in a bubble column photobioreactor. Details of the photobioreactor design are given in Siqueira et al 28 . The stirring system of the bioreactor consisted of an upward flow gas diffuser located in the center of the reaction vessel.…”

“…We focus this insight on assessing the effect of the type of climate in the production of biomass and lipids from S. obliquus . Proof‐of‐concept experiments that investigate the influence of geographical position and local climate on the performance of microalgae culture in photobioreactors were presented in Part I of this study 28 …”

“…Proof-of-concept experiments that investigate the influence of geographical position and local climate on the performance of microalgae culture in photobioreactors were presented in Part I of this study. 28…”