Abstract
Microalgae Nannochloropsis sp. is a widely recognized renewable biodiesel feedstock. The ability of this microalgae to absorb CO2 constitutes an added value toward reducing global warming. However, the process of optimizing its growth still involves many challenges. Photoinhibition, which takes places during microalgae cultivation when using continuous lighting, constitutes an unresolved problem. Therefore, the optimum light/dark cycle method is considered necessary. The experiments were conducted using a designed, tubular airlift photobioreactor and blue, energy-saving, light-emitting diode (LED) lights for the purpose of internal illumination. We observed that a 45:15 min (light:dark) cycle increased the production of Nannochloropsis sp. biomass significantly, with a cell density, wet weight, and lipid content of 17 × 106 cell/ml, 7.11 g, and 10.1% dry weight, respectively. By using the blue LED lights, our designed, airlift photobioreactor increased cell growth by 70% compared to the growth of Nannochloropsis sp. in nature and produced 61 times higher lipid content compared to Nannochloropsis sp. that is exposed to natural light.
Highlights
In recent years, rates of world consumption of fuel and population growth show a constant increase
We evaluated the light intensity produced by six installed blue light-emitting diode (LED) lamps
Aeration of C O2 concentration of 2%, which is considered to be the optimum CO2 concentration for the culture of Nannochloropsis sp. (Chiu et al 2009), was shown to produce a cell density that was less than the case of 0% and only 6.3 x 106 cells/mL
Summary
Rates of world consumption of fuel and population growth show a constant increase. Based on BP (British Petroleum) data included in the 68th edition of World Energy Statistics 2019, total primary energy consumption (oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, hydroelectric, and renewable energy) in 2018 was 13,864.9 million tons of oil equivalent. Total oil consumption was 4662.1 million tons, while renewable energy consumption was still low, at 561.3 million tons. It is necessary to expand the use of renewable energy sources in order to address the limitations of fossil fuels. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can substitute petroleum diesel fuel.
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