Supplying CO2 to photosynthetic algal cultures by diffusion through gas-permeable membranes

Abstract

A method of supplying CO2 to photosynthetic algal cultures by diffusion through a gas-permeable membrane was developed. The diffusion of CO2 across a silicone membrane could be described by Fick's Laws of Diffusion, with a permeability constant of 1.92x10-7 m2/min. By the manipulation of tubing dimensions and the partial pressure or static pressure of CO2 gas within the tubing, the rate of CO2 supply could be controlled. Pure CO2 was applied to the cultivation of Chlorella pyrenoidosa with 100% utilization and without the side effect of CO2 inhibition. © 1989 Springer-Verlag.