Development and validation of a photobioreactor for uniform distribution of light intensity along the optical path based
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CYANOBACTERIAL BLOOMS AND WATER ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
Development and validation of a photobioreactor for uniform distribution of light intensity along the optical path based on numerical simulation Zhi-Jiao Yan 1 & Jing Liu 1,2,3 & Lei Qian 1 & Wen-Lai Xu 1,2 & Zhen Yuan 1 & Chen-Xi Zhao 1 Received: 29 September 2019 / Accepted: 4 February 2020 # Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract A theoretical approach was followed to optimize the design of a cylindrical photobioreactor for wastewater treatment based on algal culture. In particular, the problem of uneven light distribution that impairs algal growth was minimized by optimizing the area of uniform illumination distribution for a bioreactor design that can be enlarged without affecting its performance. The theoretical analysis was based on modeled simulations to determine the best configuration and illumination mode. The Monte Carlo method was used to simulate the illumination distribution inside the bioreactor, and the relationships between the width of the area with uniform illumination and related parameters were explored. Based on these theoretical considerations and predictions, an actual experimental photobioreactor was built containing a working area (where culture of Chlorella pyrenoidosa was enabled) and a catchment area for effluent. The performance of this bioreactor was tested with synthetic wastewater as a substrate. The light distribution was found to be relatively uniform inside the bioreactor, supporting excellent algal growth and resulting in maximum removal rates of 84.41% for total nitrogen, 99.73% for total phosphorus, 85.03% for NH4+-N, and 75.94% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) over a period of 32 days of operation. The presented approach provides new insights for improving the efficiency and scalability of photobioreactors and promotes their development for wastewater treatment and resource utilization.
Highlights The light distribution along the path was simulated by numerical model combined with Monte Carlo method. The relationship between the width of uniform illumination area and related parameters was explored. The structure of the bioreactor determined to reduce the attenuation of light along the path and the way how to obtain the optimal size of the reactor indicated that the reactor can be enlarged without affecting its performance. Based on the conclusions obtained, the bioreactor samples were fabricated and the operation results were good. Responsible editor: Suresh Pillai Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-07987-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. * Jing Liu [email protected] Zhi-Jiao Yan [email protected] Lei Qian [email protected]
Wen-Lai Xu [email protected] Zhen Yuan [email protected] Chen-Xi Zhao [email protected] Extended author information available on the last page of the article
Environ Sci Pollut Res
Keywords Photobioreactor . Numerical model . Scalable . Uniform illumin
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