Question

I have a 500L flat plate photobioreactor in my backyard. Whenever I add my culture to the PBR, after 3-4 days of growth, the culture becomes transparent and my biomass is wasted. I add the stock at a 1:10 ratio (50 litres). My culture medium is Baum. The temperature varies between 12 to 25 degrees Celsius in 24 hours, and the pH is between 9 to 10. Circulation is done by an air pump and a water pump (for circulation of the biomass across the system, from one flat plate to the next). Maybe it is caused by shock or the sheer stress of the water pump? Or something (like brass valves) releasing some toxic substance into the culture? What should I do?The issue of culture becoming transparent in a flat plate photobioreactor (PBR) could be attributed to:

A) Shock or stress from the water pump
B) Toxic substances released by brass valves
C) Inadequate circulation across the system
D) Temperature fluctuations
E) pH variations
F) All of the above
G) None of the above

Answer 1

The issue of culture becoming transparent in a flat plate photobioreactor (PBR) can be caused by multiple factors such as shock or stress from the water pump, toxic substances released by brass valves, inadequate circulation, temperature fluctuations, and pH variations. To address this issue, you should check and optimize the water pump, inspect the brass valves, ensure adequate circulation, control temperature fluctuations, and monitor pH variations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The issue of culture becoming transparent in a flat plate photobioreactor (PBR) could be attributed to multiple factors, including shock or stress from the water pump, toxic substances released by brass valves, inadequate circulation across the system, temperature fluctuations, and pH variations. All of these factors have the potential to affect the growth and health of the culture, causing it to become transparent and leading to wasted biomass.

To address this issue, you could consider the following steps:

• Check the water pump for any possible shock or stress it may be causing to the culture. Ensure that the pump is functioning properly and not damaging the cells.
• Inspect the brass valves and any other components in the system for the release of toxic substances. Replace any faulty components that may be causing harm to the culture.
• Ensure that the circulation across the system is adequate for the growth of the culture. Consider adjusting the flow rates of the air pump and water pump to optimize circulation.
• Monitor and control temperature fluctuations in the PBR. Consider using insulation or temperature control devices to maintain a stable temperature range for the culture.
• Monitor and control pH variations in the culture medium. Consider using pH buffers or adjusting the culture medium to maintain a suitable pH range for the culture.

By addressing these factors and providing optimal conditions for the culture, you can improve the growth and health of your biomass in the PBR and prevent it from becoming transparent.