title: Algal productivity modeling: a step toward accurate assessments of full-scale algal cultivation.
abstract: A new biomass productivity model was parameterized for Chlorella vulgaris using short-term (<30 min) oxygen productivities from algal microcosms exposed to 6 light intensities (20-420 W/m(2)) and 6 temperatures (5-42 °C). The model was then validated against experimental biomass productivities recorded in bench-scale photobioreactors operated under 4 light intensities (30.6-74.3 W/m(2)) and 4 temperatures (10-30 °C), yielding an accuracy of ± 15% over 163 days of cultivation. This modeling approach addresses major challenges associated with the accurate prediction of algal productivity at full-scale. Firstly, while most prior modeling approaches have only considered the impact of light intensity on algal productivity, the model herein validated also accounts for the critical impact of temperature. Secondly, this study validates a theoretical approach to convert short-term oxygen productivities into long-term biomass productivities. Thirdly, the experimental methodology used has the practical advantage of only requiring one day of experimental work for complete model parameterization. The validation of this new modeling approach is therefore an important step for refining feasibility assessments of algae biotechnologies.
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering and Advanced Technology, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Quentin
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Béchet
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chambonnière
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shilton
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Guizard
authors.forename: Benoit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Guieysse
mesh_terms: D056804:Biofuels; D018533:Biomass; D048408:Chlorella vulgaris / Q000254:growth & development*; D008027:Light; D058086:Microalgae / Q000254:growth & development; D008954:Models, Biological; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D058433:Photobioreactors; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D056804:Biofuels; D010100:Oxygen
keywords: Chlorella vulgaris; biofuel; microalgae; photosynthesis; productivity; temperature