Growth Kinetic Study of Chlorella Vulgaris

Algae are simple autotrophic organisms that produce complex organic compounds from simple inorganic molecules such as carbon dioxide using energy from light or inorganic chemical reactions. These complex organics include a substantial amount of triacylglycerol which can be readily converted into biodiesel by the well known transesterification process. In addition, the residual algal biomass which results after the extraction of the triacylglycerol can also be utilized to produce ethanol, value-added chemicals, and animal feed.

Chlorella Vulgaris is known as one of the fastest growing microalgae, and has been selected for this kinetic study. Its lab-scale growth kinetic data are being experimentally obtained in terms of different operating conditions including sources (e.g., CO2 gas and NaHCO3) and uptake rates (i.e., CO2 gas absorption rates and NaHCO3 consumption rates) of total carbon content, CO2 partial pressure in the gas phase (e.g., open and closed system), pH, nutrient (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorous), and light intensity. This presentation will discuss a rate limiting step of the growth of Chlorella Vulgaris under its optimum growth conditions identified in the lab and the use of the kinetic data for large-scale cultivation system design and operation. In addition, the potential removal of nutrients (i.e., nitrogen and phosphorous) from a wastewater treatment system will also be discussed.&'