Energy and ecosystems (A-level only)

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Question 3
Medium

Marine microalgae can be cultivated in photobioreactors for biofuel production. To optimize biomass yield, LED arrays are used to provide precise wavelengths of light.

The dry mass productivity (PPP) of the microalgal culture can be calculated using this equation:

P=E0.25CP = \frac{E}{0.25C}P=0.25CE​

where:

  • EEE is the light energy absorbed by the culture
  • CCC is the biomass energy conversion factor

The table below shows the parameters measured for a specific strain of microalgae under LED illumination:

E / MJ m−3 d−1E \text{ / MJ m}^{-3}\text{ d}^{-1}E / MJ m−3 d−1C / MJ kg−1C \text{ / MJ kg}^{-1}C / MJ kg−1
7.35×10−27.35 \times 10^{-2}7.35×10−2242424

Use the equation and the table to calculate the dry mass productivity (PPP) of the microalgae.

Give your answer in standard form and give the units.

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Energy and ecosystems (A-level only) Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Biology
  3. /Energy and ecosystems (A-level only)