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Microalgae Cultivation and Biomass Quantification in a Bench-Scale Photobioreactor with Corrosive Flue Gases
Published on: December 19, 2019
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Preventing biofouling in microalgal photobioreactors
Y Soriano-Jerez1, J J Gallardo-Rodríguez1, L López-Rosales1
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.
Bioresource Technology
|July 18, 2024
Summary
Biofouling in photobioreactors (PBRs) hinders microalgae growth by blocking light. Developing non-toxic hydrogel coatings can prevent fouling, improving PBR efficiency and sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Photobioreactors (PBRs) are crucial for commercial microalgae cultivation.
- Continuous operation leads to biofouling on inner surfaces, reducing light penetration.
- Fouling impairs algae growth, biomass productivity, and necessitates frequent cleaning, increasing environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of antibiofouling coatings for PBRs.
- To develop transparent and non-toxic fouling-release coatings using hydrogel technology.
- To enhance the efficiency and sustainability of microalgae cultivation systems.
Main Methods:
- Application of hydrogel-based fouling-release coatings to PBR inner walls.
- Evaluation of coating transparency and non-toxicity.
- Assessment of the impact of coatings on light penetration and PBR performance.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel coatings effectively prevent biofouling layer development.
- Coatings maintain high light transparency within the PBR.
- Non-toxic nature of coatings ensures environmental compatibility.
Conclusions:
- Transparent, non-toxic hydrogel coatings offer a viable solution to PBR biofouling.
- This technology can significantly improve microalgae cultivation efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Coated PBRs can lead to more sustainable and enduring microalgae production systems.
