Design and Implementation of an Automated pH Control System for Bioreactor with Integrated Water Management

The maintenance of optimal pH levels is critical for the efficient operation of bioreactors, particularly in processes involving microbial activity, such as wastewater treatment, with applications extending to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and bioenergy production. This paper presents the design and implementation of a low-cost, high-precision bioreactor system capable of real-time pH regulation and automated wastewater management. The bioreactor is equipped with integrated pH sensors and a microcontroller to continuously monitor and adjust pH levels through the precise addition of acidic or basic solutions. Additionally, the system includes an immersed temperature sensor for real-time temperature monitoring, ensuring stable operating conditions. In addition to that, the bioreactor is occupied with a solenoid valve-based wastewater management system, which regulates the inflow and outflow of liquids based on a pre-set schedule. Experimental results demonstrate that the bioreactor provides reliable pH stabilization with minimal fluctuations and efficiently manages wastewater, ensuring a stable operating condition of bioreactor. Automatic control of bioprocess leads to minimize human intervention and therefore reduce the operational cost and human error. This work highlights the feasibility of integrating precision and automation into bioprocess technologies, paving the way for more accessible and efficient bioreactor systems for a large scale applications.