Modeling the effects of light sources on the growth of algae

• Main Authors: Sutamas Satthong, Kritsana Saego, Pongpatai Kitrungloadjanaporn, Narin Nuttavut, Somkid Amornsamankul, Wannapong Triampo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2019-05-01
• Series: Advances in Difference Equations
• Subjects: Modeling; Algae; Light; Algae growth
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13662-019-2112-6

Abstract Algae are fast growing microorganisms and beneficial in many ways, especially concerning food supplement, alternative energy, and wastewater treatment. Naturally, they need a light:dark regime for productive photosynthesis. To have more insight into how light affects their growth, we investigate the effect of light sources (fluorescent and LED) on algae growth both experimentally and computationally via modeling. It was found that growth in the fluorescent light source is relatively better than in other sources. Computational data analyses and detailed discussions are presented. Lastly, a more generalized growth model of microalgae for incorporation of other factors and variables is necessary for more realistic modeling of real-world systems.