The Effect of Nitrogen Deficiency on the Growth and Lipid Content of Isochrysis affinis galbana in Two Photobioreactor Systems (PBR): Tubular and Flat Panel

Abstract

Energy is becoming one of the most expensive production inputs nowadays. Energy reserves are starting to run out and their polluting nature has become undeniable. Therefore, there is an urgent necessity for renewable energies. One of these energy sources is algae, which are seen as promising for biofuel production. Algae can be cultured in non-agricultural land, high photosynthetic activity, harvested throughout the year high biomass production. High lipid from algae is possible by reducing some elements of growth conditions from the nutrient medium. In this study, Isochrysis affinis galbana species were cultured in two reactors; flat panel photobioreactors with different light paths (1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 cm) and tubular photobioreactors, with 50% nitrogen reduction and 20% inoculation densities. Biomass, lipid and protein ratios were determined. The highest lipid content of 33.13% was obtained from I. aff. galbana with 12.11% protein in flat panel photobioreactors with 50% nitrogen reduction and 10 cm light path, and a 0.991 g L-1 biomass rate was obtained. The highest optical density was found in the 10 cm light path flat panel photobioreactor with a 50% nitrogen reduction.

Keywords

• Isochrysis affinis galbana
• Photobioreactor
• Lipid
• N deficiency

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