Chemical characterization and integration of approaches in algal cultivation systems for enhanced mass transfer

Abstract

Algal cultivation systems offer promising pathways for sustainable biofuel production, wastewater remediation, and carbon sequestration; however, their performance is frequently constrained by suboptimal mass transfer. Chemical approaches and integrative optimization techniques are essential for enhancing mass transfer in algal cultivation systems. These strategies address the inherent variability in mathematical models and chemical kinetics across different cultivation designs, algal strains, nutrient compositions, and environmental conditions. The effectiveness of these applications relies on maximizing the exchange of key substances such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen, nutrients, and metabolic byproducts between algal cells and their surrounding medium. This present review systematically examines core chemical processes, including nutrient uptake dynamics, pH buffering, and CO₂ fixation. These processes are evaluated using representative mathematical models, such as Michaelis–Menten kinetics and the Monod equation, which reflect variability introduced by system architecture, species-specific physiology, and environmental conditions. The paper explores how the integration of chemical treatments with mechanical strategies, including aeration, mixing, and light distribution, can enhance mass transfer performance. It emphasizes that the effectiveness of these interventions depends on empirically derived kinetic parameters tailored to individual system requirements. The evaluation discusses the challenges, limitations, and future directions in analyzing algae systems, highlighting the importance of advanced modeling methods and interdisciplinary collaboration. Special attention is given to the context-dependent nature of mass transfer coefficients and reaction kinetics. This review synthesizes current knowledge to support the development of sustainable, scalable algal technologies through tailored, system-specific solutions.