Impact of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) on the cultivation of marine microalgae in open systems under tropical climatic conditions

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Authors

  • Valeria I. Barajas-Cardona Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
  • Juan C. Zavala-Reyes Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7153-3870
  • Regina M. González-Balderas Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0770-3764

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56845/rebs.v8i1.659

Keywords:

Photosynthetically active radiation, open pounds, microalgae

Abstract

Solar energy is the most cost-effective source for microalgae cultivation. Open-system biomass production enhances the sustainability of biofuel processes due to lower installation and operational costs. However, these systems are less efficient than closedsystems, as controlling light intensity and quality is challenging. This study evaluates the effect of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on marine microalgae cultivation in an open system under tropical climate conditions. The experiment was conducted in Mérida, Yucatán, using native microalgal strains to enhance adaptation. Throughout cultivation, PAR, nutrient concentrations, pH, and temperature were monitored to assess their interactions. Two trials were conducted in autumn (October–November) using three reactors exposed to different durations of solar radiation. Results indicate that the total daily PAR (30.6 mol/m²/day) exceeded the optimal growth range (20 mol/m²/day), leading to culture collapse within 14 days. Additionally, reactors exposed to longer sunlight exhibited greater temperature and pH fluctuations. No significant biomass accumulation or nutrient variation was observed. This study underscores the need for environmental monitoring in outdoor systems to optimize microalgae cultivation and better understand its applications and limitations.

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Published

2026-01-26

How to Cite

Barajas Cardona, V. I., Zavala Reyes, J. de la C., & González Balderas, R. de M. (2026). Impact of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) on the cultivation of marine microalgae in open systems under tropical climatic conditions. Renewable Energy, Biomass & Sustainability, 8(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.56845/rebs.v8i1.659

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Valeria I. Barajas-Cardona, Juan C. Zavala-Reyes, Regina M. González-Balderas

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.