Study on effects of light intensity and $CO_2$ concentration on $CO_2$ uptake rate of Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

One of the advantages of employing microalgae as a feedstock for biofuel is that they are able to absorb carbon dioxide directly as a carbon source for growth. Carbon dioxide has long been recognized as a primary agent in global warming and its reduction from the atmosphere has become one of the top priorities of nations worldwide. The potential of microalgae, fast growing photosynthetic organisms, in reducing the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is certainly promising. However, research into the rate of carbon dioxide uptake by these organisms under various cultivation conditions is fragmented. The carbon dioxide uptake rate found in literature is mostly circumstantial and difficult to apply to the diverse conditions encountered during cultivation. Hence, an extensive research that encompasses the effect of various environmental conditions on the uptake rate was essential. There are various factors that can affect the rate of carbon dioxide uptake during cultivation such as light intensity, temperature and pH. Among these factors, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration were considered to be the most significant. Hence the current study focuses on the effect of light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration on the carbon dioxide uptake of Chlorella vulgaris cells.