PH Effect on growth mechanism of Nannochloropsis Oculata in the study of CO₂ capture process

As the greenhouse gases are the major environmental concern worldwide and scientist consider these gases responsible for global warming. CO₂ is a major constituent, produced by burning fossil fuel worldwide, lot of research is being done for the CO₂ mitigation purpose to preserve planet environment. Trends are shifting towards renewable energy sources in order to minimize CO₂ emission. Biological CO₂ capture methods using photo-bioreactors by growing microalgae, which is potential technology being explored worldwide due to its advantage of CO₂ capture and biofuel production as well. As in the Middle East countries especially in Saudi Arabia region has large power plants as CO₂ source and wastewater as nutrients source for microalgae growth and higher solar irradiations as extra benefit for photosynthesis. In this work with the purpose of CO₂ reduction, Nannochloropsis Oculata was cultured in batch photo-bioreactor with CO₂ concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 12% mixed with air to study the pH effect on growth kinetics, biomass productivity and CO₂ reduction with the change in CO₂/Air feed composition. Results shows, pH is the crucial factor for Nannochloropsis Oculata culture process which is directly related to CO₂ feed composition and growth media. The results of this study will be helpful to define optimum operating parameters for culture developing of Nannochloropsis Oculata with maximum CO₂ utilization and biomass production which will contribute towards reduction of environmental concerns caused by CO₂.