Microalgae growth rate multivariable mathematical model for biomass production

BACKGROUND: The use of microalgae has been emerging as a potential technology to reduce greenhouse gases and bioremediate polluted water and produce high-value products as pigments, phytohormones, biofuels, and bioactive compounds. The improvement in biomass production is a priority to make the technology implementation profitable in every application mentioned before. METHODS: The present study was conducted to explore the use of microalgae from genus Chlorella and Tetradesmus for the generation of substances of interest with UV absorption capacity. A mathematical model was developed for both microalgae to characterize the production of microalgae biomass considering the effects of light intensity, temperature, and nutrient consumption. The model was programmed in MATLAB software, where the three parameters were incorporated into a single specific growth rate equation. RESULTS: It was found that the optimal environmental conditions for each genus (Chlorella T=36°C, and I<787 μmol/m(2)s; Tetradesmus T=23°C and I<150 μmol/m(2)s), as well as the optimal specific growth rate depending on the personalized values of the three parameters. CONCLUSSION: This work could be used in the production of microalgae biomass for the design and development of topical applications to replace commercial options based on compounds that compromise health and have a harmful impact on the environment.