A Modular Flat Panel Photobioreactor (MFPP) for indoor mass cultivation ofNannochloropsis sp under artificial illumination

Nannochloropsis sp. was grown in a Modular Flat Panel Photobioreactor (MFPP ) consisting of six alveolar panels each with 20.5 L culture volume and 3.4 m(2) illuminated surface area. The panels formed a closely-packed unit wit h illumination provided by banks of fluorescent tubes placed between the pa nels. The whole unit was contained in a thermoregulated cabinet. Continuous illumination of one side of the panels with 115 mu mol photon m(-2) s(-1) attained a mean volumetric productivity of 0.61 g (d. wt) L-1 24 h(-1), inc reasing to 0.97 g (d. wt) L-1 24 h(-1) when the same irradiance was provide d on both sides of the panels. With 230 mu mol photon m(-2) s(-1) on one si de of the panel, a mean productivity of 0.85 g (d. wt) L-1 24 h(-1) was ach ieved, which reached 1.45 g (d. wt) L-1 24 h(-1) when both sides were illum inated. Increasing the amount of light provided to the culture (either by i ncreasing irradiance or the illuminated surface area) decreased pigment and enhanced the total fatty acid content, but did not change significantly th e content of eicosapentaenoic acid. A MFPP of the present dimensions could produce sufficient microalgae to support a hatchery producing 6 million sea bream fingerlings annually.