Modelling Diatom Growth Using Ordinary Differential Equations

Abstract

This thesis explores how cultivation data from Swedish Algae Factory can be used to identify key environmental factors affecting diatom growth and how these insights can inform improvements to the cultivation process. By formulating and tuning an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model based on environmental variables such as light intensity, temperature, and pH-levels, the work aims to capture the pace of diatom growth. However, due to limited output resolution, the model’s predictive capabilities were constrained and model validation was not feasible. With that constraint, the model highlight areas where additional or more frequent measurements could improve understanding and modelling of the cultivation.