Abstract
The focus of this study is the enhancement of microalgae growth rate using spectral conversion of green light. For this purpose, three reactors were considered and fluorescent pigment Rhodamine 6G was dissolved in a thermoplastic acrylic resin, the mixture was then applied on the front side of the first reactor, and on a mirror located at the rear side of the second one. Comparing their maximum specific growth rate (μ max) of Chlorella sp. to that in the third (uncoated) reactor, the former resulted in an increase up to 15% while the latter in decrease to at least 30%. Also, the rear side coated reactor showed up to 50% increase in biomass productivity rate (P) in early 4 days of experiment. However, this value decreased over time and the uncoated reactor in 12 days exhibited higher biomass productivity rate.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Dr. Madanipour and Mr. Hosseini from the Optical Measurement Central Laboratory of the Optics, Laser and Photonics Institute of Amirkabir University of Technology for assisting us with light-measuring devices and methods. Also, the effort of engineers Atefeh Nejadebrahim and Oberon Bolouri in making coated sheet and cooperation in conducting experiment is gratefully acknowledged.
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Delavari Amrei, H., Ranjbar, R. Influence of fluorescent coating at rear and front side of a flat panel photobioreactor on algal growth. J Appl Phycol 30, 901–907 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1303-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-017-1303-3