Cited by 73Algal biology and biofuel productionAquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton DynamicsFluid Dynamics and Mixing

Microalgae cultivation in raceway ponds: advances, challenges, and hydrodynamic considerations

Open access
Skifa, Imane, Chauchat, Nicolas, Cocquet, Pierre-Henri, Guer, Yves Le·2025·EFB Bioeconomy Journal

Abstract

Microalgae cultivation in raceway ponds represents a significant advancement in the bioeconomy , offering a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by industrialization and population growth. This review explores the historical development, current practices, and future potential of microalgae mass culturing, with a particular focus on the hydrodynamic considerations in raceway ponds. The cultivation process, from early-stage batch cultures to modern raceway pond systems, highlights the importance of optimizing operational parameters such as light, temperature, nutrients, pH, and salinity . The article also examines the challenges of contamination, mixing dynamics, and the effects of shear stress on microalgae growth. Recent advancements in raceway pond design, including improved agitation mechanisms and hydrodynamic models , are discussed to enhance biomass productivity and cultivation efficiency. This review identifies current methodologies, constraints, and areas requiring further research to advance the field of microalgae cultivation in open pond systems, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable bioeconomy.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.bioeco.2024.100073

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  • Photobioreactors typically achieve biomass productivity concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 3.8 g L-1day-1.

    “In contrast, PBRs typically achieve higher productivity concentrations, ranging from 0.2 to 3.8 g L-1day-1”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Skifa et al., 2024

  • Open systems typically achieve biomass productivity concentrations of approximately 0.12-0.48 g L-1day-1.

    “In open systems, typical biomass productivity concentrations are approximately 0.12–0.48 g L-1day-1.”

    From Microalgae biotechnology and its role in sustainable and healthy food design (2025) · cites this paper as Skifa et al., 2024

    The copy does not give 0.12–0.48 g L⁻¹ day⁻¹ as a typical productivity range for open systems (searched for both endpoints and the range). The Raceway ponds section (p. 13) gives 0.5–1 g/L as a biomass concentration, not a daily productivity; the Efficiency section (p. 19) reports 0.19 g/L/day as a maximum for a specific airlift-driven reactor. (LLM, conf=0.76)

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7 of the 227 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 15

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Authors
Skifa, I., Chauchat, N., Cocquet, P.-H., & Guer, Y. L.
Affiliations
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR)
Corresponding author
Skifa, Imane
Venue
EFB Bioeconomy Journal
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025-11
Volume
5
Pages
100073
ISSN
2667-0410 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4405414281
Cited by
73
References
227
Citations by year
2026: 48 · 2025: 25
FWCI
4.87
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • EFB Bioeconomy Journal (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • HAL (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche
  • French Government Ministry of Higher Education and Research
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Aquatic Ecosystems and Phytoplankton Dynamics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Fluid Dynamics and Mixing
Keywords
microalgae cultivation, raceway ponds, hydrodynamics, shear stress, contamination control, mixing dynamics, salinity, biomass productivity, open pond systems, bioeconomy

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