J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
CONSTRUCTION OF VERTICAL TUBULAR PHOTOBIOREACTOR
FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
G.RAMANATHAN1*, K.RAJARATHINAM 2, M.BOOTHAPANDI3, D.ABIRAMI1,
G.GANESAMOORTHY3 AND DURAIPANDI3
1
Research Department of Microbiology, 2 Research Department of Botany, and
3
Department of BioEngineering, V.H.N.S.N.College, Virudhunagar-626 001, Tamilnadu, India.
*Email: san_than2002@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT
Mass cultivation of microalgae is gaining importance nowadays, because of its bioprospecting
property. In this study laboratory scale tubular photobioreactor was constructed for marine microalgae
cultivation using cheapest materials such as wooden sheets, wooden reapers, aquarium light, glass tube,
and UPVC, PVC couplings. The two marine microalgae Nanochloropsis occulata and Chaetoceros
calcitrans were studied. Effect of growth medium, pH was determined in normal culture technique and
mass cultivation was carried out in tubular photobioreactor. The growth curve of marine microalgae with
various inoculation volume and days of incubation were also determined. F2 medium and pH 8 is suitable
for the growth of the two marine microalgae. The biomass production is reached maximum level in 8 days
of cultivation at 1.5 OD of inoculum volume. The biomass productivity is higher in tubular
photobioreactor than the normal culture system.
Keywords: Tubular photobioreactor, Biomass, pH, Nanochloropsis sp. and Chaetoceros sp.
Marine microalgae are the fastest growing
INTRODUCTION
Microalgae
are
eukaryotic
photosynthetic microorganisms, which are
used to produce highly valuable compounds.
organism, that are less than 2mm in diameter
floating in the upper 200 M of the ocean
where
sunlight
is
available
for
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
photosynthesis. Microalgae are sunlight
Closed systems generally have higher
driven cell factories that convert Co2 to
production rates than open system. Major
potential biofuels, foods, feeds and high
limitations in open system include poor light
value bioactive metabolites (Spolaore et
utilization by the cells evaporative losses
al.2006). It also produces carotenoids, which
diffusion of log to the atmospheres and
are
requirement
used
as
colouring
agents
in
of
large
areas
of
land.
neutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics,
Furthermore contamination by predators and
foods, scavenger and/or quencher of reactive
other
oxygen species (ROS) and an enhancer for
restricted the commercial production of
antibody production (Singh et al.2005).
microalgae.
The
production
growing
heterotrophs
have
microalgal
In comparison with open culture
byproducts requires large quantities of algal
system a closed photobioreactor is easy to
biomass. Biomass is one of the better
control
sources of energy and hence large scale
parameters and can achieve high growth
biomass production getting significance.
rates (Pulz, 2001; Sierra et al. 2008). A
Large scale production of biomass energy
photobioreactor
could contribute to sustainable development
conditions through its design the use of clear
on several fronts, environmentally, socially
glass tubing for efficient and volumetric
and
cultivation
distribution of light; efficient delivery of
techniques are used for mass production of
light from the source to the algae. In
microalgae. We can cultivate microalgae in
addition bioreactor based photosynthetic
open system and also in closed system.
microalgae cultures were being considered
economically.
of
fast
Several
with
regard
to
maximizes
environmental
the
growth
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
as a part of the closed ecological support
one of the most suitable types for mass
system (Li J et al.2003). Fully closed
cultivation of algae because they have large
photobioreactors provide opportunities for
illumination surface (Chisti, 2006). Aeration
monoseptic culture of a greater variety of
and mixing of the cultures in tubular
algae than in open system. Higher biomass
photobioreactors are usually done by air-
of microalgae productivity is obtained in
pump
closed photobioreactor cultivation system
al.2001).
and contamination is also easily prevented.
photobioreactors
Photobioreactor is a bioreactor which
incorporates some type of light source.
or
air-lift
systems
Furthermore,
are
(Traviso
long
et
tubular
characterized
by
gradients of oxygen and Co 2 transfer along
the tubes.
Virtually any translucent container could be
The aim of this work was to
called a photobioreactor; however the term
construct the vertical tubular bioreactor at
is more commonly used to define as a closed
low cost and to determine the suitable
system. Algae can also be grown in a
growth medium, optimum pH, optimum
photobioreactor. In photobioreactor algal
inoculum level for the mass cultivation of
culture can be illuminated by artificial light,
marine microalgae.
solar light or by both. Some of the
MATERIALS AND METHODS
photobioreactors include bubble column
(Degen
et
al.
2001),
airlift
column
(Kaewpintong et al.2007), stirred tank
Tubular Photobioreactor Construction and
Fabrication
(Petkov, 2000) and tubular (Hall et al.2003)
The fabrication of photobioreactor
photobioreactors.Tubular photobioreactor is
was start by drilling a 45 mm hole in the
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
wooden sheet of 0.25″ thickness around the
screws (2.50″). The center wooden reaper
edges. There are about six holes were made.
was used to fix the fluorescent light (40
1.25″ couplings (MTAPL) fixed in the each
watts) along the sides by using 1″ plastic
hole from the bottom side. Six numbers of
brackets.
couplings (FTAPL) screwed into the bottom
couplings by turning the coupling clock
wise. The six hollow glass tube (75 cm X 45
mm) which is bottom closed (Flat bottom)
were inserted into the UPVC couplings in a
specific position. To avoid shacking of glass
tube aquarium sealant was spread on sides
of the coupling if necessary.
The top edge of all the six hollow
glass tube were coupled by 1.25″ UPVC slip
and thread adaptor. The four corners and
15 cm of six PVC tubes were fixed
with the six PVC threaded plugs and
inserted to the holes of the top wooden
sheets. This assembly was considered as the
top part of the photobioreactor. The air
pumps, O2 and Co 2 supplied nutrient inlets
were to be provided through the top
assemblage for the aeration aquarium air
pump were used for Co 2 supply.
Collection and maintenance of marine
microalgae
also the centers of the bottom wooden sheets
screwed with wooden reapers (30″) for the
purpose of mechanical support. The same
size of the wooden sheets which is in the
bottom was also been fixed at the top. Both
the bottom and top wooden sheets were
linked by 30″ wooden reapers by using
Two different groups of marine
microalgae such as Nanochloropsis occulata
and Chaetoceros calcitrans were obtained
from Central Marine Fisheries Research
Institute (CMFRI), Tuticorin, India. For the
cultivation filter sterilized seawater was
used along with the required nutrients.
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
About 10 – 20% of the inoculum in the
ml conical flask (containing three different
growing phase was transferred to the culture
medium) as separate manner. The algal
flask and those were placed under the white
cultures were incubated at 25°C±1°C under
fluorescent light (1000 lux) up to 4-5 days
1.2±0.2 klux light intensity with proper
for attaining log phase. The time required
aeration for 3 weeks. After incubation, the
for the maximum cell growth varies
growth of microalgae and the total biomass
depending on the species, almost most of the
were estimated. Among the three, good
species require two weeks for completion of
yielding medium was selected for the further
the growth. The flagellates can be kept for
study.
two months in their stationary phase in the
stock culture room under the controlled light
Biomass estimation
Biomass concentration (gl-1) was
and temperature condition.
calculated by measuring dry weight. For dry
Cultivation
of
marine
microalgae
in
different growth medium
Marine
weight measurement, the microalgal cells
were harvested after 21 days of incubation
as
by centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 15 min. at
Nanochloropsis occulata and Chaetoceros
room temperature and the cells were washed
calcitrans were grown in three different
with distilled water. Then the cell was
culture media such as F2 medium, MN III
placed petri plate and oven dried at 40°C for
medium and ASN III medium depending
4 to 6 hours. The dried biomass was cooled
upon the requirement of micro and macro
and weighed. The difference between the
nutrients.
initial and final weight were taken and the
The
microalgae
three
such
different
marine
microalgal samples were inoculated in 250
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
biomass weight was calculated. The dry
in constructed tubular bioreactor. Inoculum
weights were expressed in g/l.
concentration is also very important in
Effect of pH on marine microalgal biomass
growth studies and hence four inoculum
concentrations were used for the cultivation
in F 2 medium
of both marine microalgae Nanochloropsis
The effect of pH on growth of the
occulata and Chaetoceros calcitrans. The
marine microalgae was studied using F2
four inoculums concentration used for the
medium with the pH range of 6, 7, 8, 9, and
study were OD620 - 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20
10. The experiments were carried out in
respectively. Then the photobioreactor was
conical flask containing 100 ml of F2
kept in 25°C±1°C under 1.2±0.2 klux light
medium. The pH was adjusted with the help
intensity with proper aeration. Growth curve
of 8 M NaOH and 1M HCl solution before
for two microalgae was also studied.
autoclaving. All the flasks were incubated
for 3 weeks at 25°C±1°C under 1.2±0.2 klux
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
light intensity with proper aeration. After
The mass cultivation of marine
incubation, the growth of microalgae and the
microalgae require a appropriate culture
total biomass were estimated.
system
with
consistent
cultivation
parameters which will be suitable for
Mass cultivation and growth studies
producing algae based products which has
Marine
microalgae
such
as
pharmaceutical,
biotechnological
and
Nanochloropsis occulata and Chaetoceros
marketed commercially. Most of the large
calcitrans were grown in the selected culture
scale cultivation of microalgae has been
medium (F2 medium, pH-8) for mass
success with open system of cultivation.
cultivation. The experiment was carried out
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
However major short coming at the open
was calculated, which was higher in F2
culture system contamination with bacteria
medium than ASN III and MN III medium.
and other contaminants as well as changes in
So F2 medium was preferred for further
local climatic conditions, cost of the land
experimental
and water. Further perspective of mass
microalgae Chaetoceros calcitrans have
culture of microalgae will required closed
4.6g/l of dried biomass and Nanochloropsis
system because of the algae and algal
occulata contain lower amount (i.e.) 3.4g/l
products must be grown free of potential
of
contaminants such as heavy metals and
(Figure.1).The present study found that the
microorganisms. Continuous culture and
significant effect of pH on biomass yield of
good control over the growth environment
marine microalgae.When compared to all
result in a consistent product quality and
pH ranges pH 8 yield higher amount of
highest operating cell density. In this present
marine
investigation
Chaetoceros
a
small
scale
tubular
dried
analysis.
biomass
microalgal
Among
in
F2
biomass
calcitrans
these
medium
(Figure.2).
could
produce
photobioreactor with the capacity of 4L was
higher amount of dried biomass (4.9g/l)
constructed using low cost material and has
compared with Nanochloropsis occulata
been used for the mass cultivation of marine
(4.0g/l) at pH 8. Dayananda et al. (2005)
microalgae.
reported the effect of media and culture
After 21 days of incubation the
conical flasks have the greenish bloom of
algal biomass. The amount of total biomass
conditions
on
growth
and
production of Botrycoccus braunii.
biomass
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
Figure 1. Total biomass of two marine microalgae in different growth medium
Figure 2. Effect of various pH range on growth of two marine microalgae in F2medium
The array of long and low diameter
they have been major
advantages in
polythene tubing designed in a clearly
operation of closed tubular bioreactor for
deficient scaling up of the original pilot
Dunaliella
scale device enable the accumulation of new
Wiffels (2003). Cultivation of microalgae in
algae and algal products. In recent years
suitable inoculum concentration is necessary
salina culture, Hejazi and
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
which can effectively shorten the lag phase
inoculum volume and 8 days of cultivation
of cell growth and allowed to go into
period were maintained to determine the
logarithmic phase very earlier. OD620-0.15
optimum requirements for getting higher
inoculum produces maximum amount of
biomass of both microalgae in closed tubular
biomass at the 12th day of cultivation.
photobioreactor. Yue-Hui Zhu (2008) was
Chaetoceros
produce
reported that inoculum volume of 0.15 for
8.82g/l dried biomass (Figure.3) compared
Dunaliella salina. Continuous cultivation
with Nanochloropsis occulata (Figure.4).
was used to study the growth curve of the
The
of
microalgae. Both Chaetoceros calcitrans
cultivation, will determine the sufficient
and Nanochloropsis occulata reached steady
biomass of any microalgal culture system. In
state from 7th day of cultivation in
this
photobioreactor.
calcitrans
inoculum
present
volume
study the
could
and
four
days
different
Dried Biomass (g/L)
Figure 3. Growth of Chaetoceros Calcitrans at different volume of inoculum
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
1
3
5
7
9
11
Time of cultivation (Days )
13
15
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
Figure 4. Growth of Nanochloropsis occulata at different volume of inoculum
photoinhibition. Major advantage of tubular
CONCLUSION
Compare with other culturing system
a
tubular
illuminating
outdoor
photobioreactor
surface
cultures
area
fairly
as
s
suitable
good
large
for
biomass
productivity relatively chief. The closed
photobioreactor provided opportunity for
monoseptic cultures of great variety of algae
then is possible in open system. The closed
photobioreactor will also over come the
major
impact
of
solar
radiation-
photobioreactor would be acclimated to high
light and therefore the negative effect of
photoinhibition would be minimal in such
system. In future the optimization of the
operating parameters and intrinsic properties
of algae,
biology of algae
and
the
engineering requirements is till place left for
further
technological
advances
and
improvement for growth performance and
higher biomass quantity cultivation in closed
J. Algal Biomass Utln. 2011, 2 (2): 41– 52
TUBULAR PBR FOR MICROALGAE CULTIVATION
© PHYCO SPECTRUM INC
photobioreactor which will enable the
photobioreactors for microalgal production:
commercialization of new algae and algal
Modelling of fluid-dynamics and mass
products in future.
transfer
and
assessment
of
biomass
productivity. Biotechnol Bioeng. 82:62–73.
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