Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Physiological and technological considerations for optimising mass algal cultures

  • Published:
Journal of Applied Phycology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The successful coupling between physiology andtechnology is central to the success of algalbiotechnology. Imperative is a proper understandingof the variables and their impacts on biomass and/orbiocompound production. The crux lies inphotosynthesis and the capturing of light energy atthe optimal rate for eventual maximal photochemistry(biosynthesis). It is in the hands of algalbiotechnologists to understand the dynamics andregulatory mechanisms of especially PSII (photosystemII) activity in order to advance this technologyfurther. Biophysical and technological optimisationand design aimed at maximising photon flux capture aresome of the avenues that needs be pursued. This needsto be augmented by molecular, biochemical andphysiological inputs. Unfortunately detailedsystematic analyses of the variables, theirinteraction and possible synergism have rarely beendone. The debate regarding the merits andproductivity in closed, either plate or tubular,vertical or horizontal, and open pond reactors need tobe resolved. Exciting developments regarding onlinemeasurements and feedback control for optimalproductivities are part of the solutions andapproaches that need to be followed. Multistagesystems that not only utilise autotrophic growth andstress components, but also combinedautotrophic/heterotrophic systems could providesolutions to specific production requirements. Theseand other important issues are addressed in theoverview. The challenges facing algalbiotechnologists and future research needs are also discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Behrenfeld MJ, Prasil O, Kolber ZS, Babin M, Falkowski PG (1998) Compensatory changes in Photosystem II electron turnover rates protect photosynthesis from photoinhibition. Photosynthesis Res. 58: 259-268.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boussiba S (1996) Haematococcus: From agar slant to salmon flesh J. appl. Phycol. 8: 443.

    Google Scholar 

  • Falkowski PG, Owen TG (1978) Effects of light intensity on photosynthesis and dark respiration in six species of marine phytoplankton. Mar. Biol. 45: 289-295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grobbelaar JU (1981) Open semi-defined systems for outdoor mass culture of algae. In Grobbelaar JU, Soeder CJ, Toerien DF (eds), Wastewater for Aquaculture, University of the OFS Publ., Series C, 3: 24-30.

  • Grobbelaar JU (1989) Do light/dark cycles of medium frequency enhance phytoplankton productivity? J. appl. Phycol. 1: 333-340.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grobbelaar JU (1991) The influence of light/dark cycles in mixed algal cultures on their productivity. Bioresource Tech. 38: 189-194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grobbelaar JU (1994) Turbulence in mass algal cultures and the role of light/dark fluctuations. J. appl. Phycol. 6: 331-335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grobbelaar JU, Nedbal L, Tichy, Setlik I (1995) Variations in some photosynthetic characteristics of microalgae cultured in outdoor thin-layered sloping reactors. J. appl. Phycol. 7: 243-260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grobbelaar JU, Nedbal L, Tichy V (1996) Influence of high frequency light/dark fluctuations on photosynthetic characteristics of microalgae photoacclimated to different light intensities and implications for mass algal cultivation. J. appl. Phycol. 8: 335-343.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grobbelaar JU, Soeder CJ (1985) Respiration losses in planktic green algae cultivated in raceway ponds. J. Plankton. Res. 7: 497-506.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grobbelaar JU, Soeder CJ, Stengel E (1990) Modelling algal productivity in large outdoor cultures and waste treatment systems. Biomass 21: 297-314.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Q, Guterman H, Richmond A (1996) A flat inclined modular photobioreactor for outdoor mass cultivation of photoautotrophs. Biotechnol. Bioengng 51: 51-60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kroon BMA, Dijkman NA (1996) Photosystem II quantum yields, off-line measured P/I parameters and carbohydrate dynamics in Chlorella vulgaris grown under a fluctuating light regime and its application for optimising mass cultures. J. appl. Phycol. 8: 313-323.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kroon BMA, Ketelaars HAM, Fallowfield HJ, Mur LR (1989) Modelling high rate algal pond productivity and photosynthesis-irradiance parameters. Hydrobiologia 238: 79-88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee YK, Ding SY, Low CS, Chang YC, Forday WL, Chew PC (1995) Design and performance of an ?-type tubular photobioreactor for mass cultivation of microalgae. J. appl. Phycol. 7: 47-51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melis A, Neidhardt J, Benemann JR (1999) Dunaliella salina (Chlorophyta) with small chlorophyll antenna sizes exhibit higher photosynthetic productivities and photon use efficiencies than normally pigmented cells. J. appl. Phycol. 10: 515-525.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nedbal L, Tichy V, Xiong F, Grobbelaar JU (1996) Microscopic green algae and cyanobacteria in high-frequency intermittent light. J. appl. Phycol. 8: 325-333.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogbonna JC, Tanaka H (2000) Light requirement and photosynthetic cell cultivation-Development of processes for efficient light utilization. J. appl. Phycol. 12: 207-218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pulz O, Broneske J (1995) Layer thickness in photobioreactor design up to ultrathin configurations. In Proceedings of the 2nd European Workshop on the Biotechnology of Microalgae, ICV, Bergholz-Rehbruecke, Germany, pp. 38-45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Randmer R, Fisher TC (1996) Large-scale production of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). J. appl. Phycol. 8: 455.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richmond A (1996) Efficient utilization of high irradiance for production of photoautotrophic cell mass: a survey. J. appl. Phycol. 8: 381-387.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richmond A, Becker EW (1986) Technological aspects of mass cultivation-A general outline. In Richmond A (ed.), Handbook of Microalgal Mass Culture, CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton, pp. 245-263.

    Google Scholar 

  • Takenaka H, Hiwartari T, Yantaguchi Y (1996) Use of Pleurochrysis carterae as a potential food supplement. J. appl. Phycol. 8: 459.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tredici MR, Zitelli C (1998) Efficiency of sunlight utilization: tubular versus flat photobioreactors. Biotechnol. Bioengng 57: 187-197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vermaas W (1996) Molecular genetics of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803: Principles and possible biotechnology applications. J. appl. Phycol. 8: 263-273.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vonshak A (ed.) (1997) Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira): Physiology, Cell-Biology, Taylor & Francis, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vonshak A, Abeliovich A, Boussiba S, Richmond A (1982) Production of Spirulina biomass: Effects of environmental factors and population density. Biomass 2: 175.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany and Genetics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa

    Johan U. Grobbelaar

Authors
  1. Johan U. Grobbelaar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Grobbelaar, J.U. Physiological and technological considerations for optimising mass algal cultures. Journal of Applied Phycology 12, 201–206 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008155125844

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008155125844

Search

Navigation