LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION OF MICROALGAE AND CYANOBACTERIA FOR BIOMASS

Abstract

Microalgae and cyanobacteria have been used a natural source of high-value compounds for pharmaceutical, food and aquaculture industry for thousands of years, and the large-scale cultivation of microalgae has existed for over half a century. More recently novel species of microalgae and cyanobacteria have been identified and the cultivation of algal biomass for various products is transitioning to commercial-scale systems. Firstly, Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis and Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultures grown in the sterile bottle (2L, 5L and 10L) in the laboratory con- ditions were studied by means of specific growth rate and chlorophyll-a analysis. Then, open and closed systems were installed for large scale production of cyanobacteria and microalgae biomass industry for commercial applica- tion. For the production of algae biomass, one open stir tank and two different types of closed-cultured systems or photobioreactors were used (Polypropylene bags and Plexiglas tubes) under environmental conditions. However, P. tricornutum has a good resistance to low temperature and they can grow even under low light intensity conditions. Comparing the performance of open pond systems, it was shown that the outdoor systems with integrated temperature regulation resulted in a biomass production similar to that for cultures grown in outdoor open ponds in regions with better climatic conditions. Grown in our country increasing microalgae and cyanobacteria biomass productivity of can be achieved by designing advanced and developing low cost technologies photobioreactors.