The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate towards the Growth Performance and Biomass Production of Microalgae

Recently, as dwindling fossil fuel reserves and growing concerns about global
warming, biodiesel has gained immense popularity because it is renewable and
environmental friendly. Nonetheless, the microalgae biodiesel has attracted
increasing attention as biodiesel production due to its higher growth rate and CO2
bio-fixation rate. This research project was conducted on Chlorella vulgaris to check
on the effect of sodium bicarbonate on the performance growth and biomass
production of microalgae. The growth behavior of Chlorella vulgaris will be studied
under different concentration of sodium bicarbonate. Compost will be used as the
main nutrient source for the microalgae cultivation. Besides, the effect of cultivation
parameters such as pH value and amount of nutrient towards the growth of
microalgae also will be studied in this project. The growth of microalgae will be
measured by using spectrophotometer. After the microalgae have reached stationary
phase, the microalgae will be dried and its biomass will be collected.