Kinetic characterization of Scenedesmus quadricauda under low irradiation conditions

BACKGROUND The kinetic parameters of a model culture of Scenedesmus quadricauda were assessed under low light irradiation conditions. A simple and reliable method was developed for the kinetic characterization, which avoided CO 2 mass transfer limitations and allowed the retrieval of accurate kinetic data. Biomass and oxygen yields were also assessed. RESULTS A maximum specific CO 2 uptake rate of 0.015 ± 0.002 gCO 2 g ‐1 VS h ‐1 and half‐saturation constant of 91 ± 13 gCO 2 m Liq ‐3 were determined for S. quadricauda at a light intensity of 30 µmol m ‐2  s ‐1 at 25 °C. The biomass and oxygen yields ranged from 0.045–0.137 g VS g ‐1 CO 2 and 0.211–0.505 gO 2 g ‐1 CO 2 , respectively, both parameters being dependent on the initial CO 2 concentration used. CONCLUSION A simple and reliable methodology for the kinetic characterization of microalgal cultures was developed and tested. It was demonstrated that the maximum specific CO 2 uptake rate of S. quadricauda at 30 µmol m ‐2  s ‐1 was higher than previous values reported for Scenedesmus cultures exposed to light intensities up to 4.5 times higher but limited by CO 2 mass transfer. The methodology and results obtained are useful for determining whether or not to implement a given microalgal‐based process under low irradiance conditions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry