How are photobioreactors (PBR) used in algae cultivation?
A photobioreactor (PBR) is a closed environment which incorporates natural sunlight or artificial illumination to provide a suitable environment for algae growth. There are several types of PBR, namely bubble column, airlift column, stirred-tank, helical and tubular. Among these, Tubular PBR is most commonly used for mass cultivation of algae. Tubular photobioreactors are made up of transparent and semitransparent tubes which allow sunlight to pass through. In these tubes, algae are circulated along with water and nutrients. The mixing is enhanced by centrifugal or diaphragm pumps. The algae grow inside these closed systems and are harvested once the maximum density is reached.
