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Biomass and Pigment Production for Arthrospira platensis via Semi-Continuous Cultivation in Photobioreactors: Temperature Effects
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  • Ankush Karemore,
  • Yanhui Yuan,
  • William Porubsky,
  • Ronald Chance
Ankush Karemore
Georgia Institute of Technology

Corresponding Author:ankush1karemore@gmail.com

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Yanhui Yuan
Algenol Biotech
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William Porubsky
Algenol Biotech
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Ronald Chance
Algenol Biotech
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Abstract

his study describes the response of Arthrospira platensis to a variety of temperature conditions as reflected in variations of photosynthetic parameters, pigmentation, and biomass productivity in indoor photobioreactor (PBR) cultivations. These experiments are designed to better understand the impact of temperature, seasonal variations, and acclimation effects on outdoor biomass production. The irradiance levels and temperature range (20 – 39°C) are chosen to enable modeling of semi-continuous operation of large-scale outdoor PBR deployments. Overall, the cultivations were quite stable with some pigment-related instabilities after prolonged high temperature exposure. Changes in productivity with temperature, as reflected in measured photosynthetic parameters, are immediate and mainly attributable to the temperature dependence of the photosaturation parameter, a secondary factor being variation in pigment content. This study confirms that temperature is critical for optimal performance of Arthospira platensis for both biomass and pigment production and provides a basis for risk assessments related to temperature mitigation for large-scale outdoor cultivations. Finally, the biomass productivities in a semi-continuous operation mode are quantitatively reproduced with a productivity model incorporating the photosynthetic parameters measured herein. Those productivities are in good agreement with extensive outdoor testing in PBR arrays at large scale (24,000 L) and over long time periods (up to 18 months).
07 Feb 2020Submitted to Biotechnology and Bioengineering
08 Feb 2020Submission Checks Completed
08 Feb 2020Assigned to Editor
10 Feb 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
03 Apr 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending