Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2026

Optimize Flue Gas Settings to Promote Microalgae Growth in Photobioreactors via Computer Simulations
Published on: October 1, 2013
Simulation of carbon reserve dynamics in Microcystis and its influence on vertical migration with Yoyo model
Sophie Rabouille1, Jean-Marc Thébault, Marie-José Salençon
1Laboratoire d'écologie des hydrosystèmes (LEH), FRE 2630 UPS-CNRS-université Paul-Sabatier, 118, route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France. rabouill@cict.fr
Abstract:
Blue-green algae control their buoyancy depending upon the surrounding conditions. This process is essential for Cyanobacteria development and can account for their dominance in eutrophic waters in summer. In order to determine the main regulating factors of those movements, we developed a mechanistic and deterministic model, based on differential equations, that simulates the vertical migration of Microcystis sp. In Microcystis, buoyancy regulation results from the dynamics of the carbohydrate reserve metabolism during photosynthesis. These fundamental processes are modelled daily by this vertical 1-D model named Yoyo. It describes the movement of colonies with different sizes in response to variations of environmental conditions. This paper presents the model sensitivity analysis. We individually investigated the role of light and temperature upon algal migration with colonies of two different diameters. Under a daily light cycle and a temperature of 20 degrees C, the model described vertical migration on a 48 h rhythm in colonies with a 300-micron diameter.
Related Concept Videos
Buoyancy and Stability for Submerged and Floating Bodies
Rapidly Varying Flow
Xylem and Transpiration-driven Transport of Resources
Gradually Varying Flow
Compartment Models: Single-Compartment Model
Multicompartment Models: Overview
These models offer a more comprehensive representation of drug behavior in the body than one-compartment models. They accommodate the complexity of drug distribution,...

