UV-VIS analysis of granular activated algae chlorophyll content

Abstract

Chlorophyll-a is the pigment whose concentration is an important indicator for the development of microalgae biomass. This study aims at evaluating the concentration of chlorophylls in the biomass of granular activated algae, using acetone and 90% ethanol for the extraction procedures applied. Concentrations of chlorophyll a, b and c were determined by applying three calculation types: methods proposed by Jeffrey and Humphrey for the extracts in acetone, Ritchie method for ethanolic extracts, and monochromatic method with acidification for ethanolic extracts. Experimental findings show that the solvent 90% ethanol is more efficient than acetone for extracting chlorophyll from biomass of granular activated algae. Also, by comparing results obtained by the two methods proposed for ethanolic extracts, it was found that the values obtained through the acidification method are influenced by the volume of hydrochloric acid added to the organic chlorophylls extract.