The Influence of Artificial Lighting Systems on the Cultivation of Algae: The Example of Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

Microalgae are a practical source of biological compounds for biodiesel production. This study examined the influence of three different light-emitting diode (LED) systems on the biomass production of green algae Chlorella vulgaris BA0002a. The cultivation was carried out in a photobioreactor illuminated from the bottom with a single side light jacket (PBR I), in a photobioreactor illuminated from the bottom with a double side light jacket (PBR II) and in a photobioreactor illuminated only from the top (PBR III). Research has shown that the intensification of algae cell production and growth depends on the light distribution and exposure time of a single cell to radiation. In the experiment, the highest growth of algae cells was obtained in the photobioreactor with double jacket and lower light panel. The lowest cell growth was observed in the photobioreactor illuminated only from above. For cultures raised in the PBR I and PBR II photobioreactors, increased oxygen production was observed, which was directly related to the increased production of biomass, which in turn was dependent on the increased amount of radiant energy.

Automation of the Photobioreactor Lighting System to Manage Light Distribution in Microalgae Cultures

“…It is also worth noting that, unlike most multicellular plants, algae do not need soil and have limited spatial requirements. Therefore, algae can be grown in specially prepared containers or photobioreactors, which eliminates the influence of climatic conditions on their growth [23,24]. Such a solution not only allows algae to be grown all year round but also allows conditions such as light wavelength [25], light intensity, and even the shape of the container [26] to be adjusted to find the optimal growth rate.…”

“…Another advantage of PRBs over open-water algae-cultivation systems is the prevention or reduction of contamination by bacteria, protozoa, and other undesirable algal species [27]. Growth in PBRs also improves the control of the growth process, such as maintaining balanced growth conditions (nutrients, light, and temperature) for efficient biomass production [23]. Based on these advantages, it can be assumed that PBR will remain an important technology in the algae-cultivation industry under laboratory conditions (in open and closed systems).…”

Values of Selected Strength Parameters of Miscanthus × Giganteus Stalk Depending on Water Content and Internode Number

“…The percentage share of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in a given type of biomass may vary, which significantly affects its energy parameters and the possibility of using it for the production of biofuels [5]. Depending on the origin of the biomass (classification according to ISO 17225-1:2014 [6]), research is carried out on woody [7][8][9], and herbaceous biomass [10,11], but also pomaces, fruit stones, kernel shells and other residuals [12][13][14][15], and recently on so-called water biomass, or algae, for example, hyacinths [16,17].…”

The impact of light intensity and wavelength on the performance of algal-bacterial culture treating domestic wastewater

“…The photo-inhibition of AOB and NOB can affect N removal during wastewater treatment in algal-bacterial systems, especially under high light conditions. Although several studies have examined the effect of distinct wavelengths of light (blue, green, red, and white) and their effect on algae growth, lipid accumulation and oxygen production [15,[26][27][28], limited research has been done on understanding the effects of light on algalbacterial co-culture systems [29,30]. The objective of this study is to examine the response of algal-bacterial consortium to different LED light wavelengths and intensities in terms of chlorophyll and the removal of carbon and nutrients from wastewater.…”