Cultivation of Chlorella sp in Air Lift: influence of CO2 content on the rheological parameters of the biomass

Abstract

The demand of the energy sector is one of the culminating factors to encourage research that drives the production of biofuels. In this context, microalgae have aroused interest in energy and environment scenarios. Microalgae high productivity and needlessness in land and water quality in addition to the great potential as a source of biofuels, for biorefinery, are advantages related to the success of this research. This project is a part of an approved project of Regular Research Support (Fapesp 2016/23416-6), aiming to analyze rheological behaviour of Chlorella sp suspensions cultivated in slurry solution (5% and 10%), in Air Lift reactor. The effect of CO2 content in the gaseous stream will be evaluated in the following response variables: rheological parameters, biomass concentration and productivity in lipids. After the cultivation, the biomass will be lyophilized and then quantified with respect to moisture and lipids contents. The rheological tests will be done in the Brookfield Rheometer (model LVDV-3T), in an automated and temperature controlled manner, using the Rheocalct software and the thermostatic bath TC-550SD (both acquired in Project Fapesp 2016/23416-6). The tests will be in triplicate, using a new sample for each repetition and the readings made at each preprogrammed time interval and, for each point, deformation rate, shear stress, viscosity and temperature data will be obtained. (AU)