Gas Transfer Controls Carbon Limitation During Biomass Production by Marine Microalgae

作者:Tamburic Bojan*; Evenhuis Christian R; Suggett David J; Larkum Anthony W D; Raven John A; Ralph Peter J
来源:Chemsuschem, 2015, 8(16): 2727-2736.
DOI:10.1002/cssc.201500332

摘要

This study presents the first in-depth analysis of CO2 limitation on the biomass productivity of the biofuel candidate marine microalga Nannochloropsis oculata. Net photosynthesis decreased by 60% from 125 to 50 mu mol(O2) L(-1)h(-1) over a 12 h light cycle as a direct result of carbon limitation. Continuous dissolved O-2 and pH measurements were used to develop a detailed diurnal mechanism for the interaction between photosynthesis, gas exchange and carbonate chemistry in the photo-bioreactor. Gas exchange determined the degree of carbon limitation experienced by the algae. Carbon limitation was confirmed by delivering more CO2, which increased net photosynthesis back to its steady-state maximum. This study highlights the importance of maintaining replete carbon concentrations in photo-bioreactors and other culturing facilities, either by constant pH operation or preferably by designing a feedback loop based on the dissolved O-2 concentration.

  • 出版日期2015