DEVELOPMENT OF A PHOTOBIOREACTOR FOR MICROALGAE CULTURE

BO Ugwuishiwu; OF Obi; JN Nwakaire

doi:10.4314/njt.321.622

DEVELOPMENT OF A PHOTOBIOREACTOR FOR MICROALGAE CULTURE

Authors

BO Ugwuishiwu Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
OF Obi Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
JN Nwakaire Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.321.622

Keywords:

Photobioreactor, microalgae, culture, translucent tubes, plexiglass

Abstract

In view of the technical and biological limitations of open pond systems, a study was conducted to develop a cost-effective experimental photobioreactor that would permit efficient cultivation of microalgae for biodiesel production. The photobioreactor was developed using low cost materials, cylindrical translucent tubes and plexiglass. The photobioreactor prototype was equipped with alternative arrangement for light source: solar and fluorescent bulb light. It provides uniform illumination by sunlight and a centrally located fluorescent light powered by electricity and rechargeable dry cells. The 12-chamber photobioreactor each measuring 122cm tall and 36cm in diameter approximately 12 liters; in all, occupies a minimal demand on land area. The 12-chamber photobioreactor produced approximately 430gam/day with the application of 2.4 litres of liquid poultry droppings.

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Issue

Vol. 32 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Technical Notes/Short Communications/Letters to the Editor

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How to Cite

DEVELOPMENT OF A PHOTOBIOREACTOR FOR MICROALGAE CULTURE. (2013). Nigerian Journal of Technology, 32(1), 148-151. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.321.622