journal article·2023-12-05Open access

A Microalgae Photobioreactor System for Indoor Air Remediation: Empirical Examination of the CO2 Absorption Performance of Spirulina maxima in a NaHCO3-Reduced Medium

Myungho Han, Jinsuck Park, Inhan Kim, Hwang Yi

Applied Sciences· Volume 13· Issue 24

Abstract

Microalgae-based photobioreactors (PBRs) have gained attention as a sustainable solution for indoor air quality (IAQ) control. This study investigates indoor CO2 absorption performance of Spirulina maxima (S. maxima) in NaHCO3-limited cultivation (standard: NaHCO3-free medium = 1:1 v/v%) of a lab-scale PBR system. Cultivation performance of three medium amendments (standard, 50% NaHCO3, and NaHCO3-free) was compared by observing cell growth for 30 days in a controlled environment. Empirical examinations were conducted to evaluate the algal CO2 uptake, and overall system performance in the culture volumes of 2, 4, and 7 L and natural indoor CO2 concentration of ~1100 ppm. We found CO2 was reduced by ~55%, in an air chamber of 0.064 m3, showing the greatest mitigation rate (~20%) on Day 4. Under a high concentration of CO2 (10,000 ppm), the CO2 levels were decreased up to ~90% before saturation. This research provides valuable insights into the development of S. maxima-activated IAQ control systems for airtight buildings.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Algal biology and biofuel production · Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies · Vehicle emissions and performance

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Spirulinafarms Ltd., Bitgaram-ro, Naju-si 58211, Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea

Independent Researcher, 3F, 28, Yongmeori-gil, Gimcheon-si 18487, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea

Department of Architecture, Kyung Hee University, 1732 Deogyeong-daero, Yongin-si 17104, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

Department of Architecture, School of Engineering, Ajou University, 206 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si 443749, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea

Funding

Korea Agency for Infrastructure Technology Advancement (KAIA) · Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport · National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) · Ajou University Research Grant

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