CPC C12M 23/18 (2013.01) [C12M 21/02 (2013.01); C12M 23/38 (2013.01); C12M 23/58 (2013.01); C12M 27/20 (2013.01); C12M 29/00 (2013.01); C12N 1/12 (2013.01)] | 11 Claims |
1. An algal cultivation system comprising an algal pond, wherein said algal pond comprises:
a growth chamber containing algal culture, wherein said growth chamber is exposed to light to enable growth of algae contained therein, wherein said growth chamber has a depth (d) of less than 10 cm;
a regeneration chamber substantially devoid of light, wherein said regeneration chamber is configured to provide a controlled residence time to algal culture for repair of damaged proteins of algal cells;
a controller co-operating with at least one means for pumping and at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a plurality of level sensors, a salinity sensor and a temperature sensor,
wherein said controller is configured to receive level signals from said level sensors, salinity signals from said salinity sensor and temperature signals from said temperature sensor, and wherein said controller is configured to generate an output signal to trigger and stop said means for pumping; and
a cover (210) disposed on said regeneration chamber (206b) such that the regeneration chamber (206b) is substantially devoid of light,
wherein said growth chamber and said regeneration chamber are in controlled fluid communication with each other;
wherein said controlled residence time in said regeneration chamber is in the range of 30 minutes to 90 minutes and said growth chamber is exposed to light for a time period in the range of 60 minutes to 180 minutes;
wherein a ratio of time duration of said algal culture exposed to light in said growth chamber to said controlled residence time in said regeneration chamber is in the range of 2 to 4;
wherein said salinity sensor and/or said temperature sensor are disposed in said growth chamber; and
wherein said output signal is fed to said means for pumping to regulate the flow of fluid containing said algal culture between said growth chamber and said regeneration chamber for maintaining a desired level of fluid in each of said chambers.
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