Skip to main content
. 2024 Jul 26;10(15):e35168. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35168

Table 2.

Parameters for Microalgae cultivation in BIPBR [[36], [42], [43], [44], [45], [46], [47]].

S.No Parameters for BIPBR design Effects
1. Orientation The ideal placement for a BIPBR system depends on its location's latitude. In the Northern Hemisphere, including India, a southward orientation maximizes sunlight exposure throughout the day.Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, a northward orientation is preferred. This general rule ensures the BIPBR receives direct sunlight for most of the day
2. Thickness It shouldn't be more than 5–6 cm
3. Materials There are numerous varieties of glass and plastic (plexiglass, laminated safety glass, transparent polycarbonate, polyethylene film, transparent polycarbonate)
4. Temperature An optimal temperature range (which varies based on the algae strain) is necessary for algae to bloom. A temperature range of 17–32 °C is ideal for algae growth, with the average temperature range.
5. Light Intensity Light is essential for photosynthesis, and so is the amount of time. Algae are exposed to light, which is a significant element in determining the rate at which they grow. Because direct sunlight can reduce efficiency, photo-bleaching, and photo-inhibition, most algae species require indirect or intermediate-intensity light levels (1000-10,000 lux) to thrive.
6. Carbon dioxide To produce 1t of microalgae biomass, approximately 1.8t of CO2 is required. Various sources of CO2 include manufacturing plants, refineries, flue gas emissions from power plants, and small-scale combined heat and power (MCHP) systems.
7. Nutrients/Media Additionally, carbon dioxide, the amount of salinity, phosphate, ammonia, and oxygen present in the water all impact the cultivation of algae.
8. pH Many researchers agree that for algae to thrive in the long run, the pH level has to be between 7 and 11.
9. Water Chlorinated water is preferred for most algae strains.
10. Algae strain Different varieties of algae develop at different rates; for example, heterotrophic microalgae grow faster than phototrophic microalgae and grow larger. Therefore, choosing the right algae species based on the other variables is critical.
11. Photoperiod Microalgae undergo photosynthesis in the same way as other plants do. Light intensity, spectral quality, and photoperiod are all crucial for algal growth. Still, the specific conditions needed to achieve optimal growth vary widely depending on the depth of the culture and the density of the algal cells.
12. Air circulation Algae must interact sufficiently with their environment to take in enough atmospheric CO2. Algae aeration in reactors or ponds ensures that all cells are exposed to the same quantity of light and reduces the likelihood of sedimentation of green growth.