Optimization of medium for microalgae growth based on aeration pond POME of Sime Darby Sua Betong Palm Oil Mill using four variables of CO²concentration, agitation rate, supplement concentration and dilution ratio

Chlorela sp. is the type of microalgae chosen for this experiment. In this paper, effect concentration of carbon dioxide, agitation rate, supplement concentration and dilution ratio has been studied to optimize the growth of microalgae in a medium based on palm oil mill effluent (POME) from aeration pond. The experiment comprised of 16 runs. Each run required 7 days and sample were taken at 12 hours intervals. These expanded run represent the 8 extra point to complement the earlier 2⁴ factorial experiment, to make the composite design. From the data obtained, optimization of microalgae was conducted to obtain the maximum growth rate (μmax) and maximum biomass (Xmax). The predicted maximum specific growth rate is 5.0029 h¯¹ with the optimum conditions 22% (v/v) for carbon dioxide concentration, 0.57vvm for agitation rate, 20.4% (v/v) and 22.06% (v/v) for supplement concentration and dilution rate respectively. The predicted maximum biomass is 283.7g/L with optimum condition for carbon dioxide concentration are 11.7% (v/v) for carbon dioxide concentration, 0.7vvm for agitation rate, 26.05% (v/v) and 56.79% (v/v) for supplement concentration and dilution ratio respectively.