The effect of mass transport on biostimulation of algal growth

A model is proposed to account for mass transport limitation to the uptake of major nutrients. A thin film diffusion resistance layer is hypothesized. In an example using Cyclotella nana (a diatom), diffusion resistance was calculated to result in a maximum decrease of 40% in phosphorus uptake rate. Transport limitation was demonstrated experimentally. The growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (a green alga) was found to be stimulated by shaking the cultures.Using similar mathematical techniques, the internal resistance to the uptake of nutrients in algal cell aggregates was also modeled.