Does temperature shift justify microalgae production under greenhouse?

• Published in: Algal research (Amsterdam) 2022-01, Vol.61, p.102579, Article 102579
• Main Authors: Pessi, Bruno Assis, Pruvost, Eric, Talec, Amélie, Sciandra, Antoine, Bernard, Olivier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biotechnology; Greenhouse; Life Sciences; Microalgae; Modeling; Raceway; Temperature
• ISSN: 2211-9264; 2211-9264
• DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102579

We analyze the influence of greenhouses in the cultivation of phytoplankton. For this we propose a model for the marine green algae Tetraselmis suecica, and adapt it to four other species (Spirulina platensis, Dunaliella salina, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Chlorella vulgaris). Experiments under a greenhouse were carried out for the marine green algae Tetraselmis suecica, shifting the temperature of two raceways compared to a reference raceway with free evolving temperature. The productivity model was then parametrized and validated accounting for the recorded evolution of temperature and light. The yearly raceway pond production and the benefit of greenhouse usage were assessed under different scenarios for the five considered species. At year scale, greenhouse efficiency is notable only for few species, e.g. Spirulina platensis, where productivity can be increased by 20%. Based on these results, cultivation under greenhouse is beneficial mainly to protect the culture against contamination and to increase productivity in cold regions for species susceptible to photoinhibition with optimal growth in high temperatures. Rotation of the cultivated species is also a good strategy to improve annual productivity. •Experiments in raceway with various temperature shifts were carried out.•Rotation of cultivated species could improve annual production up to 20%.•Productivity of Spirulina platensis is enhanced by 20% under a greenhouse.•Light attenuation caused by greenhouses is a heavy burden on productivity.•Greenhouse usage should be carefully assessed considering climate and species.