Microalgae have gained significant attention for their versatile applications in food, feed, bio-compound production, and their potential as a sustainable solution to address environmental challenges [1]. Among these, the cyanobacteria genus Arthrospira platensis, commercially known as Spirulina [2], stands out as a remarkable "superfood," renowned for its exceptional nutritional properties [3]. Given the wide range of industrial and environmental uses of microalgae, the development of efficient microalgal culture systems becomes paramount [4]. Currently, the cultivation of Spirulina predominantly relies on seasonal practices employed by small-scale producers using open ponds equipped with paddlewheels to entrain the algal solution [5]. While open ponds with small lateral mixers do exist, this particular configuration remains relatively unexplored. A notable research gap exists as no studies have delved into the growing conditions within open ponds featuring lateral mixers. This study will specifically concentrate on this configuration, drawn to its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation as key factors. In this study, we aim to optimize the mixing process within rectangular basins, which can be visualized as 2D plane media. To accomplish this, we will define new mixing protocols by combining different steady-state solutions. Strategically positioned small turbines or jets along the basin's lateral sides will induce fluid circulation. The physical mechanism of chaotic mixing will be employed. This involves introducing temporal modulations of velocities in the 2D plane flow, resulting in a gentle yet highly effective mixing action by stretching and folding the fluid filaments. Chaotic mixing under laminar flow conditions is renowned for its efficient mixing of highly viscous flows, whereas turbulent flows with their high shear zones can damage long microalgae like Spirulina, leading to cell lysis. Moreover, the current production rates in ponds are limited to around 1 g/L of dry matter, which is relatively low. To overcome this limitation, we aim to leverage the benefits of chaotic mixing and operate within, or even approach, highly concentrated environments to significantly enhance microalgae productivity. The resulting numerical outcomes will be vital in the design and construction of a scaled-down experimental prototype pond, which will be practical and applicable for Spirulina farmers. REFERENCES [1] J. A. V. Costa, B. C. B. Freitas, T. D. Santos, B. G. Mitchell, and M. G. Morais, “Open pond systems for microalgal culture,” Biofuels from Algae, pp. 199–223, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-444-64192-2.00009-3. [2] Avigad Vonshak and L. Tomaselli, “Arthrospira (Spirulina): Systematics and EcophysioIogy,” Kluwer Academic Publishers eBooks, pp. 505–522, Jan. 2006, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-46855-7_18. [3] F. Jung, A. Krüger-Genge, P. Waldeck, and J.-H. . Küpper, “Spirulina platensis, a super food?,” Journal of Cellular Biotechnology, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 43–54, Apr. 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.3233/jcb-189012. [4] M. Nayak, A. Karemore, and R. Sen, “Sustainable valorization of flue gas CO2and wastewater for the production of microalgal biomass as a biofuel feedstock in closed and open reactor systems,” RSC Adv., vol. 6, no. 94, pp. 91111–91120, 2016, doi: https://doi.org/10.1039/c6ra17899e. [5] R. Araújo et al., “Current Status of the Algae Production Industry in Europe: An Emerging Sector of the Blue Bioeconomy,” Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 7, Jan. 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.626389.