PT Journal
AU Schmitz, T
   Kraft, E
TI Pilot scale photobioreactor system for land-based macroalgae cultivation
SO Journal of applied phycology
PD October
PY 2021
BP 1
EP 10
VL 2021
PU Springer
DI 10.1007/s10811-021-02617-7
WP https://www.db-thueringen.de/receive/dbt_mods_00061198
LA en
DE Makroalgen; Photobioreaktor; macro algae; photobioreactor; ulva intestinalis; LED light source; Biologie
SN 0921-8971
AB Marine macroalgae such as Ulva intestinalis have promising properties as feedstock for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, since the quantity and quality of naturally grown algae vary widely, their exploitability is reduced – especially for producers in high-priced markets. Moreover, the expansion of marine or shore-based cultivation systems is unlikely in Europe, since promising sites either lie in fishing zones, recreational areas, or natural reserves. The aim was therefore to develop a closed photobioreactor system enabling full control of abiotic environmental parameters and an effective reconditioning of the cultivation medium in order to produce marine macroalgae at sites distant from the shore. To assess the feasibility and functionality of the chosen technological concept, a prototypal plant has been implemented in central Germany – a site distant from the sea. Using a newly developed, submersible LED light source, cultivation experiments with Ulva intestinalis led to growth rates of 7.72 ± 0.04 % day−1 in a cultivation cycle of 28 days. Based on the space demand of the production system, this results in fresh mass productivity of 3.0 kg m−2, respectively, of 1.1 kg m−2 per year. Also considering the ratio of biomass to energy input amounting to 2.76 g kWh−1, significant future improvements of the developed photobioreactor system should include the optimization of growth parameters, and the reduction of the system’s overall energy demand.
PI Dordrecht; Dordrecht [u.a.]
ER