Effect of CO 2 aeration on cultivation of microalgae in luminescent photobioreactors

This photobioreactor study investigated the influence of CO2 aeration on biomass production, carbon dioxide fixation rate, pH, cell’s essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen, as well as lipid content, whilst under a range of luminescence-modified lighting conditions. The effect of aeration with pure air (comprising 0.03% CO2) on the CO2 fixation rate was insignificant compared to the higher concentrations used. Results showed that, with the exception of blue PBR, increasing CO2 concentrations in the air stream enhanced the fixation rate of CO2 in C. vulgaris. Cyanobacteria cells showed significant tolerance to 15% CO2.