Application of image analysis for algal biomass quantification: a low-cost and non-destructive method based on HSI color space

Algal biomass has been utilized as a potential feedstock for bioenergy and a variety of other bioprocesses. At the core of this topic, there is a general demand for rapid, cost-effective, and accurate methods for algal biomass quantification. Here, we present a simple, low-cost, and non-destructive method to estimate algal biomass concentrations by image analysis based on the hue, saturation, intensity (HSI) color space. The applicability of the HSI-based quantitative method was verified using experimental data from both the present study and the literature. In addition, the HSI-based quantitative method showed better goodness of fit and a significantly higher detection range than related methods used in the literature. The results indicate that the HSI-based quantitative method can be used as an effective method for algal biomass monitoring and quantification.