LAUSR

ABSTRACT Microalgae are considered to be a very important biofuel producer, under conditions of nitrogen deprivation. The Droop model has been widely used to predict microalgal behavior. The Droop model equations have been modified to deal with issues pertaining to light distribution and nitrogen uptake. In this paper, a singularity analysis of the steady-state Droop model equations and its modifications is performed. The computationally validated theoretical analysis predicts the location of the bifurcation point from which two solution branches originate in both the original Droop model and its modified form (known as the nitrogen limited microalgae culture process model) which takes into account light distribution.