Carbon dioxide biofixation by Chlorella vulgaris at different CO2 concentrations and light intensities. Issue 5 (26th May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clément‐Larosière, Barbara; Lopes, Filipa; Gonçalves, Ana; Taidi, Behnam; Benedetti, Marc; Minier, Michel; Pareau, Dominique
• Is Part Of: Engineering in life sciences. Volume 14:Issue 5(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 509
• Page End: 519
• Publication Date: 2014-05-26
• Subjects: Bioengineering -- Periodicals; 660.605
• DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201200212
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1618-0240

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In order to develop an effective CO<sub>2</sub> mitigation process using microalgae for potential industrial application, the growth and physiological activity of <italic>Chlorella vulgaris</italic> in photobioreactor cultures were studied. <italic>C. vulgaris</italic> was grown at two CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations (2 and 13% of CO<sub>2</sub> v/v) and at three incident light intensities (50, 120 and 180 μmol m<sup>−2</sup> s<sup>−1</sup>) for 9 days. The measured specific growth rate was similar under all conditions tested but an increase in light intensity and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration affected the biomass and cell concentrations. Although carbon limitation was observed at 2% CO<sub>2</sub>, similar cellular composition was measured in both conditions. Light limitation induced a net change in the growth behavior of <italic>C. vulgaris</italic>. Nitrogen limitation seemed to decrease the nitrogen quota of the cells and rise the intracellular carbon:nitrogen ratio. Exopolysaccharide production per cell appeared to be affected by light intensity. In order to avoid underestimation of the CO<sub>2</sub> biofixation rate of the microalgae, exopolysaccharide production was taken into account. The maximum CO<sub>2</sub> removal rate (0.98 g CO<sub>2</sub> L<sup>−1</sup> d<sup>−1</sup>) and the highest biomass concentration (4.14 g DW L<sup>−1</sup>) were determined at 13% (v/v) CO<sub>2</sub> and 180 μmol m<sup>−2</sup> s<sup>−1</sup>. Our results show that <italic>C. vulgaris</italic> has a real potential for industrial CO<sub>2</sub> remediation.</p> </abstract>