An Innovative Flat Photobioreactor for Carbon Dioxide Fixation Using Chlorella Vulgaris

Abstract

An inner parallel flat-plate photobioreactor configuration (IPFP) was designed and the on the CO2 fixation rate (CFR) of Chlorella vulgaris in a laboratory-scale IPFP was determined. Both of the novel ventilation modes, i.e. inner-mixing ventilation mode and intermittent ventilation mode, were adopted to reduce the growth inhibition of microalgae facing high CO2 concentration (15%, gas phase volume fraction, v/v) directly provided. The CFRs of Chlorella vulgaris under inner-mixing ventilation mode ranged between 1.46 and 1.78 g CO2L-1d-1, which was slightly higher than those under the intermittent ventilation mode (1.30-1.56 g CO2L-1d-1). Both of these two modes can replace the dilution equipment for high concentration of CO2, and then reduce the cost. These results indicate that the IPFP with an inner-mixing ventilation mode can effectively enhance the performance of C. vulgaris on microalgal growth and CO2 biofixation.