pH Effect on growth mechanism of Nannochloropsis Oculata in the study of

CO2 capture process:

M. Ilyas, S. A. Razzak
Chemical Engineering Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals KSA

ABSTRACT

As the greenhouse gases are the major environmental concern worldwide and scientist consider these gases responsible for global warming. CO2 is a major constituent, produced by burning fossil fuel worldwide, lot of research is being done for the CO2 mitigation purpose to preserve planet environment. Trends are shifting towards renewable energy sources in order to minimize CO2 emission. Biological CO2 capture methods using photo-bioreactors by growing microalgae, which is potential technology being explored worldwide due to its advantage of CO2 capture and biofuel production as well. As in the Middle East countries especially in Saudi Arabia region has large power plants as CO2 source and wastewater as nutrients source for microalgae growth and higher solar irradiations as extra benefit for photosynthesis. In this work with the purpose of CO2 reduction, Nannochloropsis Oculata was cultured in batch photo-bioreactor with CO2 concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12% mixed with air to study the pH effect on growth kinetics, biomass productivity and CO2 reduction with the change in CO2/Air feed composition. Results shows, pH is the crucial factor for Nannochloropsis Oculata culture process which is directly related to CO2 feed composition and growth media. The results of this study will be helpful to define optimum operating parameters for culture developing of Nannochloropsis Oculata with maximum CO2 utilization and biomass production which will contribute towards reduction of environmental concerns caused by CO2.

Acknowledgement: The authors would like to acknowledge the support provided by King Abdul-Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Saudi Arabia for funding this research work through project funding process.