Effect of Aeration Time on Chlorella vulgaris Growth

Microalgae is a raw material used in many different sectors and is helpful in absorbing carbon dioxide. C. vulgaris is one of best candidates as an additional material for biofuel. Biofuel is made in part from the fatty acids found in C. vulgaris. Thus, more research is required to identify the variables that can spur its growth. Aeration time is one of the most significant growth factors. In this research, experiments were carried out with differences in aeration time between 12 hours and 24 hours. Some of the fixed variables used are an air flow rate of 2 L/minute, 20 ppt of salinity, and a light intensity of 6,000 lux. Observations were made every day for 14 days. Measurements of the solution's pH, temperature, and carbon dioxide content in the reactor's air were made, along with the density of C. vulgaris cells. According to the observation data, C. vulgaris grew more effectively in the reactor that had 24-hours aeration. The peak day occurs on the tenth day, while the required adaptation phase lasts six days. Up until the peak day, the microalgae growth rate was 1.59 cells/mL.day.