Abstract
The growth of Scenedesmus algae, cultivated in a split-column airlift bioreactor under three
different light intensities (94, 187, 468 E /m .s 2 ) and two values of superficial gas velocities (0.3,
1 cm/s), was investigated. The physical properties of the culture medium were monitored by
various analytical methods (optical density, chlorophyll concentration). Samples were taken twice a
day (10:00 AM and 5:00 PM) for cell count and optical density measurements. The dynamic
growth rate of the algae was studied using the integrated three-state fluid dynamics model
developed by Eilers and Peeters (1988). The kinetic parameters for the system under defined
light/dark cycles were evaluated. The obtained results indicate that the growth rate and chlorophyll
content of the Scenedesmus algae directly proportional to light intensity and superficial gas velocity.
