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Chin-On R, de Boer M, van de Voort C, Camstra J, Barbosa M, Wijffels RH, Janssen M. Outdoor cultivation of Picochlorum sp. in a novel V-shaped photobioreactor on the Caribbean island Bonaire. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1347291. [PMID: 38938984 PMCID: PMC11208710 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1347291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Microalgae are a promising renewable feedstock that can be produced on non-arable land using seawater. Their biomass contains proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and pigments, and can be used for various biobased products, such as food, feed, biochemicals, and biofuels. For such applications, the production costs need to be reduced, for example, by improving biomass productivity in photobioreactors. In this study, Picochlorum sp. (BPE23) was cultivated in a prototype of a novel outdoor V-shaped photobioreactor on Bonaire (12°N, 68°W). The novel photobioreactor design was previously proposed for the capture and dilution of sunlight at low-latitude locations. During several months, the biomass productivity of the local thermotolerant microalgae was determined at different dilution rates in continuous dilution and batch dilution experiments, without any form of temperature control. Reactor temperatures increased to 35°C-45°C at midday. In the continuous dilution experiments, high average biomass productivities of 28-31 g m-2 d-1 and photosynthetic efficiencies of 3.5%-4.3% were achieved. In the batch dilution experiments, biomass productivities were lower (17-23 g m-2 d-1), as microalgal cells likely experienced sudden light and temperature stress after daily reactor dilution. Nonetheless, dense cultures were characterized by high maximum photosynthetic rates, illustrating the potential of Picochlorum sp. for fast growth under outdoor conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocca Chin-On
- Bioprocess Engineering and AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Water-en Energiebedrijf Bonaire, Kralendijk, Netherlands
| | - Mila de Boer
- Bioprocess Engineering and AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Cas van de Voort
- Bioprocess Engineering and AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Juliëtte Camstra
- Bioprocess Engineering and AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Maria Barbosa
- Bioprocess Engineering and AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - René H. Wijffels
- Bioprocess Engineering and AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Marcel Janssen
- Bioprocess Engineering and AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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2
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Shao C, Zheng H, Sobhi M, Zhu F, Hu X, Cui Y, Chen H, Zou B, Zan X, Li G, Huo S. Enhancing microalgal biomass production in lab-scale raceway ponds through innovative computational fluid dynamics-based electrode deflectors. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 394:130282. [PMID: 38163488 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.130282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The design of novel electrode deflector structures (EDSs) introduced a promising strategy for enhancing raceway ponds performance, increasing carbon fixation, and improving microalgal biomass accumulation. The computational fluid dynamics, based flow field principles, proved that the potency of arc-shaped electrode deflector structures (A-EDS) and spiral electrode deflector structures (S-EDS) were optimal. These configurations yielded superior culture effects, notably reducing dead zones by 9.1% and 11.7%, while elevating biomass increments of 14.7% and 11.5% compared to the control, respectively. In comparison to scenarios without electrostatic field application, the A-EDS group demonstrated pronounced post-stimulation growth, exhibiting an additional biomass increase of 11.2%, coupled with a remarkable 23.6% surge in CO2 fixation rate and mixing time reduction by 14.7%. A-EDS and S-EDS, combined with strategic electric field integration, provided a theoretical basis for promoting microalgal biomass production and enhancing carbon fixation in a raceway pond environment to similar production practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Shao
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Hongjing Zheng
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Mostafa Sobhi
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Agricultural and Bio-systems Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Feifei Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xinjuan Hu
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yi Cui
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Huayou Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Bin Zou
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Xinyi Zan
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Gang Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
| | - Shuhao Huo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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3
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Maroušek J, Maroušková A, Gavurová B, Tuček D, Strunecký O. Competitive algae biodiesel depends on advances in mass algae cultivation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 374:128802. [PMID: 36858122 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to study why, despite large investments in research and development, algae biodiesel is still not price competitive with fossil fuels. Microalgal production was confirmed to be a critical cost item (84 up to 93 %) for biodiesel regardless of the production technology. Techno-economic assessment revealed the main cost drivers during mass cultivation. It is argued that a breakthrough in the cultivation efficiency of microalgae is identified as a necessary condition for achieving price-competitive microalgal biodiesel. The key bottlenecks were identified as follows: (1) light and O2 concentration management; (2) overnight respiratory loss of oil. It is concluded that most of the research on microalgae biodiesel yields economically over-optimistic presumptions because it has been based on laboratory scale experiments with a low level of interdisciplinary overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Maroušek
- Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, Faculty of Technology, Okružní 517/10, České Budějovice 370 01, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Agriculture, Studentská 1668, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Anna Maroušková
- Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, Faculty of Technology, Okružní 517/10, České Budějovice 370 01, Czech Republic
| | - Beata Gavurová
- Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Letna 9, Košice 042 00, Slovakia
| | - David Tuček
- Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Faculty of Management and Economics, Mostní 5139, Zlín 760 01, Czech Republic
| | - Otakar Strunecký
- Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, Faculty of Technology, Okružní 517/10, České Budějovice 370 01, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Institute of Aquaculture and Protection of Waters, Na Sádkách 1780, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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4
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Díaz JP, Inostroza C, Acién FG. Yield and production cost of Chlorella sp. culture in a Fibonacci-type photobioreactor. Process Biochem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2023.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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Chanquia SN, Vernet G, Kara S. Photobioreactors for cultivation and synthesis: Specifications, challenges, and perspectives. Eng Life Sci 2022; 22:712-724. [PMID: 36514531 PMCID: PMC9731602 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202100070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their versatility and the high biomass yield produced, cultivation of phototrophic organisms is an increasingly important field. In general, open ponds are chosen to do it because of economic reasons; however, this strategy has several drawbacks such as poor control of culture conditions and a considerable risk of contamination. On the other hand, photobioreactors are an attractive choice to perform cultivation of phototrophic organisms, many times in a large scale and an efficient way. Furthermore, photobioreactors are being increasingly used in bioprocesses to obtain valuable chemical products. In this review, we briefly describe different photobioreactor set-ups, including some of the recent designs, and their characteristics. Additionally, we discuss the current challenges and advantages that each different type of photobioreactor presents, their applicability in biocatalysis and some modern modeling tools that can be applied to further enhance a certain process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago N. Chanquia
- Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing GroupDepartment of Biological and Chemical EngineeringAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Guillem Vernet
- Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing GroupDepartment of Biological and Chemical EngineeringAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Selin Kara
- Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing GroupDepartment of Biological and Chemical EngineeringAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
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Torzillo G, Zittelli GC, Cicchi B, Diano M, Parente M, Benavides AMS, Esposito S, Touloupakis E. Effect of plate distance on light conversion efficiency of a Synechocystis culture grown outdoors in a multiplate photobioreactor. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156840. [PMID: 35750183 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the performance of a vertical multiplate photobioreactor is analyzed and presented. The photobioreactor consisted of 20 vertical plates (1 m2 each) connected by manifolds and a working volume of 1300 L. The total area occupied (footprint) was 10 m2, while the illuminated area was 40 m2, therefore the ratio of illuminated area to volume ratio was about 30 m-1. The performance of the photobioreactor was evaluated using a culture of Synechocystis PCC 6803, circulated by a centrifuge pump. The results showed that the amount of light captured by the photobioreactor at a plate spacing of 0.5 m was 90.2 % of the light incident on the horizontal surface, while at a plate spacing of 1.0 m, 50.3 % was captured. The corresponding biomass yield, calculated based on the ground area occupied by the reactor, was 26.0 g m-2 day-1 and 7.2 g m-2 day-1, when the plates were spaced at 0.5 m and 1.0 m respectively. Therefore, the light conversion efficiency calculated based on the ground area was significantly higher in the configuration with a plate spacing of 0.5 m, reaching 5.43 % based on PAR (photosynthetically active radiation), and 2.44 % based on solar radiation, giving a value 3.7 higher than when the plates were spaced 1.0 m apart. It was concluded that the light conversion efficiency might be further improved by reducing the plate spacing while also reducing the culture light path.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Torzillo
- Istituto per la Bioeconomia, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino I-50019, Firenze, Italy; Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Del Mar y Limnologίa, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José 2060, Costa Rica.
| | - Graziella Chini Zittelli
- Istituto per la Bioeconomia, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino I-50019, Firenze, Italy
| | - Bernardo Cicchi
- Istituto per la Bioeconomia, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino I-50019, Firenze, Italy
| | - Marcello Diano
- M2M Engineering sas, Via Coroglio, Science Center, Business Innovation Center, Naples, Italy
| | - Maddalena Parente
- M2M Engineering sas, Via Coroglio, Science Center, Business Innovation Center, Naples, Italy
| | - Ana Margarita Silva Benavides
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Del Mar y Limnologίa, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José 2060, Costa Rica; Escuela de Biologia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, San José 2060, Costa Rica
| | - Serena Esposito
- M2M Engineering sas, Via Coroglio, Science Center, Business Innovation Center, Naples, Italy
| | - Eleftherios Touloupakis
- Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri, CNR, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, Sesto Fiorentino I-50019, Italy
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Abstract
(1) Background: Mixotrophic growth is commonly associated with higher biomass productivity and lower energy consumption. This paper evaluates the impact of using different carbon sources on growth, protein profile, and nutrient uptake for Dunaliella tertiolecta CCAP 19/30 to assess the potential for mixotrophic growth. (2) Methods: Two experimental sets were conducted. The first assessed the contribution of atmospheric carbon to D. tertiolecta growth and the microalgae capacity to grow heterotrophically with an organic carbon source to provide both carbon and energy. The second set evaluated the impact of using different carbon sources on its growth, protein yield and quality. (3) Results: D. tertiolecta could not grow heterotrophically. Cell and optical density, ash-free dry weight, and essential amino acids index were inferior for all treatments using organic carbon compared to NaHCO3. Neither cell nor optical density presented significant differences among the treatments containing organic carbon, demonstrating that organic carbon does not boost D. tertiolecta growth. All the treatments presented similar nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur recovery, and relative carbohydrate content. (4) Conclusions: Based on the results of this paper, D. tertiolecta CCAP 19/30 is an obligated autotroph that cannot grow mixotrophically using organic carbon.
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Benner P, Meier L, Pfeffer A, Krüger K, Oropeza Vargas JE, Weuster-Botz D. Lab-scale photobioreactor systems: principles, applications, and scalability. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng 2022; 45:791-813. [PMID: 35303143 PMCID: PMC9033726 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-022-02711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Phototrophic microorganisms that convert carbon dioxide are being explored for their capacity to solve different environmental issues and produce bioactive compounds for human therapeutics and as food additives. Full-scale phototrophic cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria can be done in open ponds or closed photobioreactor systems, which have a broad range of volumes. This review focuses on laboratory-scale photobioreactors and their different designs. Illuminated microtiter plates and microfluidic devices offer an option for automated high-throughput studies with microalgae. Illuminated shake flasks are used for simple uncontrolled batch studies. The application of illuminated bubble column reactors strongly emphasizes homogenous gas distribution, while illuminated flat plate bioreactors offer high and uniform light input. Illuminated stirred-tank bioreactors facilitate the application of very well-defined reaction conditions. Closed tubular photobioreactors as well as open photobioreactors like small-scale raceway ponds and thin-layer cascades are applied as scale-down models of the respective large-scale bioreactors. A few other less common designs such as illuminated plastic bags or aquarium tanks are also used mainly because of their relatively low cost, but up-scaling of these designs is challenging with additional light-driven issues. Finally, this review covers recommendations on the criteria for photobioreactor selection and operation while up-scaling of phototrophic bioprocesses with microalgae or cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Benner
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Chair of Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Lisa Meier
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Annika Pfeffer
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Konstantin Krüger
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - José Enrique Oropeza Vargas
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Dirk Weuster-Botz
- Department of Energy and Process Engineering, Chair of Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Boltzmannstraße 15, 85748, Garching, Germany.
- Technical University of Munich, TUM-AlgaeTec Center, 85521, Taufkirchen, Germany.
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Arena R, Lima S, Villanova V, Moukri N, Curcuraci E, Messina C, Santulli A, Scargiali F. Cultivation and biochemical characterization of isolated Sicilian microalgal species in salt and temperature stress conditions. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Nwoba EG, Rohani T, Raeisossadati M, Vadiveloo A, Bahri PA, Moheimani NR. Monochromatic light filters to enhance biomass and carotenoid productivities of Dunaliella salina in raceway ponds. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2021; 340:125689. [PMID: 34358987 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Monochromatic blue and red wavelengths are more efficient for light to algal biomass conversion than full-spectrum sunlight. In this study, monochromatic light filters were used to down-regulate natural sunlight to blue (400-520 nm) and red (600-700 nm) wavelengths to enhance biomass productivity of Dunaliella salina in outdoor raceway ponds. Growth indices such as cell size, pigment concentrations, biomass yield, photosynthetic efficiency, and major nutritional compositions were determined and compared against a control receiving unfiltered sunlight. Results showed that red light increased biomass productivity, lipid, and carotenoid contents but decreased cell volume, chlorophyll production, and cell weight. Conversely, blue light increased cell volume by 200%, cell weight by 68%, and enhanced chlorophyll a and protein contents by 35% and 51%, respectively, over red light. Compared to the control treatment, photoinhibition of D. salina cells at noon sunshine was decreased 60% by utilizing optical filters on the pond's surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeka G Nwoba
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Tarannom Rohani
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | | | - Ashiwin Vadiveloo
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Parisa A Bahri
- Engineering and Energy, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150, Australia; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste, Harry Butler Institute, Australia University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Navid R Moheimani
- Algae R&D Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste, Harry Butler Institute, Australia University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Productivity and morphometric parameters of the microalga Dunaliella salina IBSS-2 under pilot cultivation in continental mid-latitude climate in spring. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:438. [PMID: 34603915 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02982-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to investigate the taxonomy and various characteristics of Dunaliella salina IBSS-2 strain and describe its cultivation potential in mid-latitude climate during springtime. In addition, our analysis confirmed the essentiality of combining morphological, physiological, and other characteristics when identifying new species and strains of the genus Dunaliella, along with the molecular marker (internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of rDNA gene). The pilot cultivation of microalgae during the springtime in the south of Russia demonstrated that the climatic conditions of this region allow D. salina cultivation for biomass accumulation during this season, highlighting light and temperature conditions as the main factors determining the growth rate of D. salina. A two-fold increase in daily insolation and, consequently, in temperature in April resulted in a more than three-fold increase in productivity of D. salina culture. The maximum productivity of D. salina both in April and May was comparable and reached 2 g m-2 day-1, and the total yield for 8-10 days was about 14.5-16 g m-2. The additional CO2 supply into the D. salina culture did not show any significant effect on its growth rate; however, it contributed to maintaining the diversity of morphometric characteristics over a longer period of time. Changes in the morphological and morphometric characteristics of algal cells, including size reduction, were observed during the batch cultivation. Thus, the production potential of the green carotenogenic microalga D. salina was determined in the springtime, which allows expanding the seasonal interval of its cultivation in temperate latitudes.
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