Desarrollo y aplicación de un modelo matemático en la evaluación de cultivos de Arthrospira maxima

Abstract

Microalgae cultures must be continuously monitored to obtain the maximum productivity and to constantly assure their efficiency and conditions, being very important to obtain detailed information for a quick evaluation of the physiological state of the culture. Due to these reasons, in the last years, as in other fields, microalgal biotechnology researchers have developed different works with the aim of achieving an automated monitoring and control method for the cultures. In this work, a mathematical model to estimate the concentrations of HCO3 in Arthrospira maxima cultures, in function of the pH, temperature and electrical conductivity (EC) measurements was developed. This model has not been previously reported. A detailed analysis on the influence of the experimental errors over the model response was made. The results demonstrated the possibility of applying this model, which is advantageous, because instrumental methods are easier, faster and more accurate. The results could serve as a basis for an automated monitoring method to control Arthrospira maxima cultures using equipment commonly available, without the use of expensive sensors. This method of control could be used in other similar microalgae cultures, for example Spirulina, after determining the corresponding specific correlations for the particular culture medium.