Toc-Determination in Algal Biomass

Sum parameter Total Organic Carbon
TOC-determination in algal biomass

suspension method
SCA-130-401
Innovative methods
To determine the biomass in the
photobioreactor, a TOC analyzer was used.
The carbon content of the algal soup is
directly proportional to the biomass.
The excessive global CO2 emissions from the

burning of fossil fuels (for instance in power
plants) causes the search for climate-friendly
uses of carbon dioxide.
One of the approaches for environmentally
sound recycling is to convert the emitted CO2
into biomass using photobioreactors.
The CO2 gas is introduced into the
photobioreactor in order to be used for the
growth of algae. The biomass, or algae, can
be used in many different application areas:
in the cosmetics industry, the construction
industry, and the food segment, in agriculture
as fertilizer or for energy utilization.
Test methods for implementation
The efficiency of the photobiorectors and the
yield of growth are continuously monitored.
To this end, various methods are available,
including the determination of dry mass
(gravimetric) or the photometric determination
of chlorophyll (by absorption). These methods
either require a high expenditure in terms of
time and personnel, or they are nonspecific
and inaccurate.
TOC Measurement method

Depending on the type of algae used in the
reactor, either the difference method or the
direct method (NPOC) is suitable. In both
cases, one should test which method will
most accurately detect each particular type of
algae. This can be compared with the results
of the reference method.
Information on the analysis:
calibration of the TC/NPOC and the IC
parameters via the automated dilution
function
sample is generally measured undiluted
injection volume: 90 L
at least 3 to 5 injections for statistical
confidence
rinse several times, depending on the
sample
SCA-130-401
Sample preparation
The 4 10 m large micro-algae of the
Chlorella vulgaris species can be measured
directly after sampling from the reactor
without any further sample preparation. The
difference method was used for the biomass
determination. The method is suitable for all
other single-cell algae that exhibit a stable
carbon content under different growth
conditions.
Using the difference method, the TC and TIC
were determined and the TOC was
subsequently calculated from these values.
Calibration using the resulting dry mass of the
algae makes it possible to draw conclusions
on the dry biomass content in the sample
from the TOC.
Corrrelation
The TOC correlation (algae biomass/TOC)
must be determined for each type of algae
specifically. It can also be calibrated against
the determined dry mass.
the extracellular substances produced by the

algae or released into the culture medium
after the algae have died off. The TOC
determined this way is the carbon content of
the investigated algae. To draw conclusions
on the dry mass yield, the percentage carbon
content in the algae must be determined.
Several direct and indirect methods are
available. The most simple and, at the same
time, highly reliable method is to combust the
washed and dried algae in a solid-matter
TOC analyzer. A second method is to filter
the algae, dry them and then determine their
mass. In combination with TOC and
photometry measurements, a correlation
between the TOC value and the algal dry
mass can be determined, which provides
information on the carbon content of the
algae. From the carbon mass fraction and the
TOC value, the dry mass of the algae solution
can be very accurately calculated.
DrymassTOCCalibration
Recommended analyzer / Configuration

TOC-L CPH
ASI-L (40ml) with stirrer option and external
Sparge-Kit
First, the algae sample is measured and the
TOC is determined. Subsequently, the
sample is filtered through a 0.2 m syringe
filter and measured again in the TOC
analyzer to be able to distinguish between the
TOC content originating from the algae and
the carbon content possibly originating from

Toc-Determination in Algal Biomass - Suspension Method SCA-130-401

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Sum parameter Total Organic Carbon

The excessive global CO2 emissions from the

TOC Measurement method

the extracellular substances produced by the

Recommended analyzer / Configuration

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