Microalgal biofilm behavior under light/dark cycles
Résumé
Biofilm-based systems have attracted more attention recently as an alternative to the
standard suspended-cells process for microalgae cultivation. It has also been shown that cells
can be protected from photoinhibition under intense sunlight when submitted to alternately
light and dark cycles. However, the biological response to light variation is not well understood.
Therefore, in this work, a mechanistic model is developed based on Han’s model to describe
photosynthesis and respiration dynamics that cover different cycle times and a wide range of light
fractions (Light/Dark fractions). Keeping the same average light intensity, increasing the light
frequency enhances growth thanks to reduced photoinhibition. Increasing light fraction improves
the growth rate as both the peak light intensity and the dark period decrease. Respiration
variation in intermittent light regimes is for the first time considered in this model, giving
a better explanation of biofilm growth experimental data. Understanding the model response
will guide strategies for growth enhancement, and further optimize biofilm reactor design and
operation and eventually benefit biomass productivity.
Domaines
Mathématiques [math]Origine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
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