A study on the growth response of Chlorella vulgaris in both indoor and outdoor conditions using a continuous vertical- column photobioreactor

Date

10-2010

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Rex B. Demafelis

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Abstract

The continuous operation of the photobioreactor designed and fabricated by Arinduque (2009) for the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris was studied. Varying the volumetric flowrate of the feed and of harvesting stream affected the optical density, as well as biomass concentration. The reactors were taken outside to be exposed to diurnal cycles and observations on the response of the algae were noted. By decreasing the flow rates of both the feed and of the harvesting stream, biomass concentrations increased significantly. The occurrence of photoinhibition and the resulting decrease in biomass concentration can be attributed to high temperature and high light intensities experienced outdoors during the day. The addition of a net was done to reduce light intensity received by the photobioreactor, facilitating the acclimation and recovery of the algal culture. Night time also hindered the growth of the algae. Towards the end of the experiment, the cloudy weather reduced algal development. In general, however, acclimation and recovery of the algae were achieved.

Language

English

LC Subject

Fuel, Chlorella vulgaris

Location

UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT)

Call Number

LG 993 2010 E62 S26

Document Type

Thesis

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