Light and growth medium effect on Chlorella vulgaris biomass production

Algae can serve as feedstock for many high value bioproducts and biofuels production. The key to economic algal biomass production is to optimize the growth conditions. This study presents the effect of light wavelengths and growth medium composition on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris. Different light wavelengths [blue, clear (white), green, and red] were used to test their effect on algal growth. Growth media formulations were varied to optimize the growth media composition for maximized algal biomass production. Experimental study was conducted in three phases to evaluate: (1) the effect of different light wavelengths; (2) the effect of the recommended growth medium at 25%, 50%, and 100% of suggested composition; and (3) the effect of nutrient concentrations (nitrogen and phosphorous). The effect of these factors was evaluated through specific algal growth rates and volumetric biomass productivities during the entire growth period. In this study, blue light performed better (higher growth rate and biomass productivity) at longer growth periods (10–14 days) compared to clear, red and green light wavelengths. The growth media and nutrient effect results indicate that the growth of C. vulgaris is higher at 50% suggested growth media composition compared to 100% growth media composition which results in approximately 50% potential reduction in chemical costs for large scale algal production.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide