Oilgae

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Environmental factors influencing photosynthetic efficiency of the micro red alga Porphyridium cruentum (Agardh) Nägeli in light-limited cultures

New Phytologist 118 (4), 513–519. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8137.1991.tb00990.x

New PhytologistVolume 118 Issue 4 Page 513 - August 1991

EDMUND T. Y. LEE11Microbial Physiology Group, Division of Biosphere Sciences, King's College, University of London, Campden Hill Road, London W8 7AH1
MICHAEL J. BAZIN11Microbial Physiology Group, Division of Biosphere Sciences, King's College, University of London, Campden Hill Road, London W8 7AH

1Microbial Physiology Group, Division of Biosphere Sciences, King's College, University of London, Campden Hill Road, London W8 7AH

Summary

Steady state growth of the red alga Porphyridium cruentum was obtained in light-limited chemostat cultures at different temperatures, pH and salinities over a range of specific growth rates. Geometric design of the reactors was found to have no effect on the yield and photosynthetic efficiency (PE) of the biomass. Under optimal growth conditions, that is at 23 °C, pH 8 and NaCl concentration of 0.42 M, the maximum specific growth rate was 0.065hl which corresponded to a generation time of 10.7 h. With a given light input the biomass output rate was found to be constant over the range of specific growth rates studied. The values of the maximum growth yield (YG) and maximum PE of P. Cruentum were in the range of 0.0064–0.0074 g kj1 and 13.4–15.5% respectively, when growth was optimal. This PE value corresponds to a quantum demand of 15 per O2 molecule evolved. Different temperatures, pH and salinities were demonstrated to cause a 1.5 to 2-fold variation in the maximum PE. The maintenance energy was found to be virtually zero under all conditions.

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Performance of a flat plate, air-lift reactor for the growth of high biomass algal cultures

Journal - Journal of Applied Phycology
Publisher - Springer Netherlands

Issue - Volume 4, Number 1 / March, 1992
DOI - 10.1007/BF00003954

Performance of a flat plate, air-lift reactor for the growth of high biomass algal cultures

Iain A. J. Ratchford1 and Howard J. Fallowfield1
(1)
Department of Biochemical Sciences, The Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive, Ayr, KA6 5HW, UK

Received: 14 August 1991 Revised: 11 October 1991 Accepted: 20 October 1991

SpringerLink Date - Friday, July 28, 2006

Abstract

A flat plate, multi-pass air lift reactor (FPALR) for the culture of photosynthetic organisms was constructed from twin wall acrylic sheet and its performance characterised. When operated at an air input of 2.01 min?1 the multi-pass system had a Reynolds number of 5200 indicating fully turbulent flow. Chlorella vulgaris 211/11c was found to have a stationary phase biomass of 1.48 g 1?1 when grown in the flat plate air lift reactor (FPALR) at 100 µmol m?2s?1 compared to 1.11 g 1?1 when cultured in the continually stirred tank reactor (CSTR) at the same PFD (photon flux density). The same organism cultured at 200 µmol m?2s?1 achieved a stationary phase biomass of 1.71 g 1?1 in the FPALR. In contrast, Scenedesmus sp. produced a stationary phase biomass of 2.27 g1?1 and 1.27 g1?1, when cultured at 100 µmol m?2s?1 in the FPALR and the CSTR respectively. The growth rates of both organisms were also higher in the PFALR.

Key words photobioreactor - flat plate air-lift reactor - Chlorella - Synechococcus - hydraulic characteristics - photosynthesis

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Biotechnology of algal biomass production: a review of systems for outdoor mass culture

Journal - Journal of Applied Phycology
Publisher - Springer Netherlands
Issue - Volume 5, Number 6 / December, 1993
DOI - 10.1007/BF02184638
Pages - 593-604
SpringerLink Date - Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Biotechnology of algal biomass production: a review of systems for outdoor mass culture
Daniel Chaumont1
(1)
Centre de Cadarache, Département de Physiologie Végétale et Ecosystèmes, Section d'Ecophysiologie en Conditions Contrôlées, Groupe d'Ecotechnie, Bâtiment 177, 13108 Saint Paul les Durance Cedex, France

Received: 19 July 1993 Revised: 16 August 1993 Accepted: 17 August 1993

Abstract

Microalgae are very efficient solar energy converters and they can produce a great variety of metabolites. Man has always tried to take advantage of these proporties through algal mass culture. Despite the fact that many applications for microalgae have been described in the literature, these micro-organisms are still of minor economic importance. Industrial reactors for algal culture are at present, all designed as open race-ways (shallow open ponds where culture is circulated by a paddle-wheel). Technical and biological limitations of these open systems have given rise to the development of enclosed photoreactors (made of transparent tubes, sleeves or containers and where light source may be natural or artificial). The present review surveys advances in these two technologies for cultivation of microalgae. Starting from published results, the advantages and disadvantages of open systems and closed photobioreactors are discussed. A few open systems are presented for which particularly reliable results are available. Emphasis is then put on closed systems, which have been considered as capital intensive and are justified only when a fine chemical is to be produced.

Key words microalgae - culture systems - race-ways - photobioreactors - mass culture - algal biotechnology

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High-density algal photobioreactors using light-emitting diodes

Choul-Gyun Lee, Bernhard Ø. Palsson *
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
*Correspondence to Bernhard Ø. Palsson, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

Keywords - Chlorella vulgaris • light-emitting diodes (LEd) • Oxygen production • photobioreactor(PBR)

Abstract

Lack of high-density algal photobioreactors (PBR) has been a limitation in exploiting the biotechnological potential of algae. Recent developments of highly efficient light-emitting diodes (LED using gallium aluminum arsenide chips) have made the development of a small LED-based PBR possible. We have calculated theoretical values of gas mass transfer requirements and light-intensity requirement to support high-density algal cultures for the 680 nm monochromatic red light from LED as a light source. A prototype PBR has been designed based on these calculations. A cell concentration of more than 2 × 109 cells/mL (more than 6.6% v%sol;v), cell doubling times as low as 12 h, and an oxygen production rate as high as 10 mmol oxygen/L culture/h were achieved using on-line ultrafiltration to periodically provide fresh medium.

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Elemental balancing of biomass and medium composition enhances growth capacity in high-density Chlorella vulgaris cultures

Ramkumar K. Mandalam *, Bernhard Palsson

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
*Correspondence to Ramkumar K. Mandalam, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109

Funded by: NASA; Grant Number: 10-56943

Keywords - Chlorella vulgaris • algae • elemental balancing • medium design • high-density cultures • photoautotrophic growth

Abstract

The basic requirements for high-density photoautotrophic microalgal cultures in enclosed photobioreactors are a powerful light source and proper distribution of light, efficient gas exchange, and suitable medium composition. This article introduces the concept of balancing the elemental composition of growth medium with biomass composition to obtain high-density cultures. N-8 medium, commonly used for culturing Chlorella vulgaris was evaluated for its capacity to support high-density cultures on the basis of elemental stoichiometric composition of C. vulgaris. This analysis showed that the N-8 medium is deficient in iron, magnesium, sulfur, and nitrogen at high cell densities. N-8 medium was redesigned to contain stoichiometrically balanced quantities of the four deficient elements to support a biomass concentration of 2% (v/v). The redesigned medium, called M-8 medium, resulted in up to three- to fivefold increase in total chlorophyll content per volume of culture as compared to N-8 medium. Further experiments showed that addition of each of the four elements separately to N-8 medium did not improve culture performance and that balanced supplementation of all four deficient elements was required to yield the improved performance. Long-term (24 d) C. vulgaris culture in M-8 medium showed continuous increase in chlorophyll content and biomass throughout the period of cultivation. In contrast, the increase in chlorophyll content and biomass ceased after 7 and 12 d, respectively in N-8 medium, demonstrating the higher capacity of M-8 medium to produce biomass. Thus, the performance of high cell density photobioreactors can be significantly enhanced by proper medium design. The elemental composition of the biomass generated is an appropriate basis for medium design.

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A laboratory scale air-lift helical photobioreactor to increase biomass output rate of photosynthetic algal cultures

New PhytologistVolume 116 Issue 2 Page 331 - October 1990

EDMUND T.-Y. LEE 11Microbial Physiology Group, Division of Biosphere Sciences, King's College (University of London), Campden Hill Road, London W8 7AH
MICHAEL J. BAZIN11Microbial Physiology Group, Division of Biosphere Sciences, King's College (University of London), Campden Hill Road, London W8 7AH

1Microbial Physiology Group, Division of Biosphere Sciences, King's College (University of London), Campden Hill Road, London W8 7AH

Summary

The helical air-lift reactor of 0·315 1 capacity provides an improved way to cultivate photosynthetic organisms when compared to a 0·625 1 stirred reactor. The improvement results from an approximately three-fold increase in the surface area: volume ratio of the reactor. Continuous operation of the helical reactor at a dilution rate of 0·025 h1 permitted a light-limited photosynthetic culture of Porphyridium cruentum to be maintained at a steady state biomass concentration of 4·6 g l1 compared to 1·7 g l1 in the stirred reactor under similar illumination. When operated at an air flow rate of 0·75 1 min1, the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient was 160 h1 in the helical reactor and a Reynolds number of 2000 was obtained.

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A novel airlift photobioreactor with baffles for improved light utilization through the flashing light effect

Degen J, Uebele A, Retze A, Schmid-Staiger U, Trosch W.
Fraunhofer Institut fur Grenzflachen- und Bioverfahrenstechnik, Nobelstr. 12, D-70569

1: J Biotechnol. 2001 Dec 28;92(2):89-94.

Abstract

A newly developed flat panel airlift photobioreactor with a defined circulation path was tested for microalgal culture. The bioreactor exposed the cells to intermittent light to improve the efficiency of light utilization through the flashing-light effect. During batch cultures in the new photobioreactor, the biomass productivity of Chlorella vulgaris was 1.7 times greater than in a randomly mixed bubble column of identical dimension. A reduction in light path from 30 to 15 mm increased the biomass productivity by 2.5-fold. A maximum dry biomass productivity of 0.11 g l(-1) h(-1) was obtained at an artificial illumination of 980 mu E m(-2) s(-1).

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Tubular photobioreactor design for algal cultures

Journal of Biotechnology 92 (2001) 113–131

E. Molina, J. Ferna´ndez, F.G. Acie´n, Y. Chisti
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Almer?´a, E- 04071 Almeria, Spain

Received 13 June 2000; received in revised form 6 October 2000; accepted 13 October 2000

Abstract

Principles of fluid mechanics, gas–liquid mass transfer, and irradiance controlled algal growth are integrated intoa method for designing tubular photobioreactors in which the culture is circulated by an airlift pump. A 0.2 m3photobioreactor designed using the proposed approach was proved in continuous outdoor culture of the microalgaPhaeodactylum tricornutum. The culture performance was assessed under various conditions of irradiance, dilutionrates and liquid velocities through the tubular solar collector. A biomass productivity of 1.90 g l?1 d?1 (or 32 g m?2d?1) could be obtained at a dilution rate of 0.04 h?1. Photoinhibition was observed during hours of peak irradiance;the photosynthetic activity of the cells recovered a few hours later. Linear liquid velocities of 0.50 and 0.35 m s?1 inthe solar collector gave similar biomass productivities, but the culture collapsed at lower velocities. The effect ofdissolved oxygen concentration on productivity was quantified in indoor conditions; dissolved oxygen levels higher orlower than air saturation values reduced productivity. Under outdoor conditions, for given levels of oxygensupersaturation, the productivity decline was greater outdoors than indoors, suggesting that under intense outdoorillumination photooxidation contributed to loss of productivity in comparison with productivity loss due to oxygeninhibition alone. Dissolved oxygen values at the outlet of solar collector tube were up to 400% of air saturation.

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An optical fibre photobioreactor for enhanced production of the marine unicellular alga Isochrysis aff. galbana T-Iso (UTEX LB 2307) rich in docosahexaenoic acid

Journal - Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
Publisher - Springer Berlin / Heidelberg
Issue - Volume 39, Numbers 4-5 / July, 1993
Category - Biotechnology
DOI - 10.1007/BF00205032
SpringerLink Date - Wednesday, November 24, 2004

J. Grant Burgess1, Kaori Iwamoto1, Yuki Miura1, Hiroyuki Takano1 and Tadashi Matsunaga1
(1)
Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 184 Koganei, Tokyo, Japan
Received: 30 November 1992 Accepted: 2 February 1993

Abstract

We have screened six species of marine microalga for their ability to produce the important dietary lipid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Isochrysis aff. galbana T-Iso (UTEX LB 2307), which produced DHA in the highest quantities (5.4 mg-g–1), was grown in a new type of closed photobioreactor in which efficient light distribution was achieved using light-diffusing optical fibres. The optimal temperature and light intensity for DHA production were determined and a maximal DHA production of 4.3 mg-l was achieved, twofold greater than that obtained using conventional culture methods. In addition, the DHA content could be enhanced by low temperature or dark incubation of the culture after growth.

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Effect of photobioreactor inclination on the biomass productivity of an outdoor algal culture

Yuan-Kun Lee *, Chin-Seng Low
Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 0511
*Correspondence to Yuan-Kun Lee, Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 0511

Keywords - tubular-loop photobioreactor • orientation • Chlorella pyrenoidosa • biomass productivity

Abstract

The profiles of photon flux density incidented on a tubularloop photobioreactor in the day could be altered by inclining the bioreactor at an angle with the horizontal. The photon flux density at noon decreased with increasing angle of inclination, whereas the photon flux density in the early morning and late afternoon increased with increasing angle of inclination. The overall photosynthetic radiance received by the bioreactor inclined at 0, 25, 45, and 80° was 1:0.89:0.77:0.62. Regardless of the angle of bioreactor inclination, the overall biomass output rate of a fed-batch culture over an 8-h/day period was comparable (26-36 g-biomass m-2 bioreactor surface area day-1). As a bioreactor inclined at an angle occupied smaller land area, and daily biomass output rate per land area of a bioreactor inclined at 80° (130 g-biomass m-2 land) was about six times of that obtainable at horizontal position (21-g biomass m-2 land). The bioenergetics growth yield from the absorbed photosynthetic radiance was not a constant but an inverse function of the photon flux density. The quasi-steady state chlorophyll content of the Chlorella cells varied between 36 and 63 mg g-1 cells. Photoinhibition of the maximum photosynthetic capacity was not observed in this study.

Received: 28 November 1990; Accepted: 22 March 1991

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Design and performance of an ?-type tubular photobioreactor for mass cultivation of microalgae

Journal - Journal of Applied Phycology
Publisher - Springer Netherlands
Issue -
Volume 7, Number 1 / February, 1995
DOI - 10.1007/BF00003549
SpringerLink Date - Saturday, July 29, 2006

Design and performance of an ?-type tubular photobioreactor for mass cultivation of microalgae

Yuan-Kun Lee1, Sun-Yeun Ding1, Chin-Seng Low1, Yoon-Ching Chang2, Wayne L. Forday2 and Poo-Chin Chew3
(1)
Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore, 0511
(2)
Department of Biotechnology, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, 535 Clementi Road, Singapore, 2159
(3)

Gold Coin Services Singapore Pte Ltd, 14 Jalan Tepong, Singapore, 2261

Received: 25 April 1994 Revised: 28 September 1994 Accepted: 2 October 1994

Abstract

A ?-shape tubular photobioreactor was designed and constructed based on knowledge of algal growth physiology using sunlight. The algal culture is lifted 5 m by air to a receiver tank. From the receiver tank, the culture flows down parallel polyvinyl-chloride tubes of 25 m length and 2.5 cm internal diameter, placed at an angle of 25 ° with the horizontal to reach another set of air riser tubes. Again the culture is lifted 5 m to another receiver tank, then flows down parallel tubes connected to the base of the first set of riser tubes. Thus, the bioreactor system looks like the symbol ?. As there is no change in the direction of the liquid flow, high liquid flow rate and Reynolds Number can be achieved at relatively low air flow rate in the riser tubes. Due to the high area-volume ratio of the bioreactor, and equable photosynthetically available radiance and culture temperature, biomass density of exceeding 10 g dry weight L-1 and daily output rate of 72 g dry weight m-2 land d-1 were achieved.
Key words photobioreactor - microalgae - design performance

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Productivity and photosynthetic efficiency ofSpirulina platensis as affected by light intensity, algal density and rate of mixing in a flat plate photobioreactor

Journal - Journal of Applied Phycology
Publisher - Springer Netherlands
Issue - Volume 8, Number 2 / March, 1996
DOI - 10.1007/BF02186317
Pages - 139-145
SpringerLink Date - Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Productivity and photosynthetic efficiency ofSpirulina platensis as affected by light intensity, algal density and rate of mixing in a flat plate photobioreactor
Hu Qiang1 and Amos Richmond1
(1)
Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Sede Boker Campus, 84990, Israel
Received: 14 February 1996 Revised: 20 May 1996 Accepted: 22 May 1996
Abstract The effect of the rate of mixing on productivity of algal mass in relation to photon flux density and algal concentration was quantitatively evaluated in cultures ofSpirulina platensis grown in a newly designed flat-plate photobioreactor. Special emphasis was placed on elucidating the principles underlying efficient utilization of high photon flux density for maximal productivity of algal-mass. Whereas the rate of mixing exerted little influence on productivity and photosynthetic efficiency in cultures of relatively low algal density, its effect became ever more significant as algal concentration was increased. Maximal mixing-enhanced cell concentrations and productivity of biomass were obtained at the highest light intensity used. At each level of incident light intensity, maximum productivity and photosynthetic efficiency could be achieved only when algal concentration and mixing rates were optimized. The higher the intensity of the light source, the higher became the optimal culture density, highest algal concentrations and productivity of biomass being obtained at the highest light intensity used. The rate of mixing required careful optimization: when too low, maximal productivity resulting from the most efficient utilization of light could not be obtained. Too high a rate of mixing resulted in cell damage and reduced output rate.

Key words Spirulina platensis - mixing rate - light intensity - algal density - photobioreactor - productivity - photosynthetic efficiency

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High-density photoautotrophic algal cultures: Design, construction, and operation of a novel photobioreactor system

Author(s): Javanmardian, MinooPalsson, Bernhard O.

Issue Date: 5-Dec-1991
Publisher: Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company

Citation:
Javanmardian, Minoo; Palsson, Bernhard O. (10)."High-density photoautotrophic algal cultures: Design, construction, and operation of a novel photobioreactor system." Biotechnology and Bioengineering 38: 1182-1189.

Abstract

A photobioreactor system has been designed, constructed and implemented to achieve high photosynthetic rates in high-density photoautotrophic algal cell suspensions. This unit is designed for efficient oxygen and biomass production rates, and it also can be used for the production of secreted products. A fiber-optic based optical transmission system that is coupled to an internal light distribution system illuminates the culture volume uniformly, at light intensities of 1.7 mW/cm 2 over a specific surface area of 3.2 cm 2 /cm 3 . Uniform light distribution is achieved throughout the reactor without interfering with the flow pattern required to keep the cells in suspension. An on-line ultrafiltration unit exchanges spent with fresh medium, and its use results in very high cell densities, up to 10 9 cells/mL [3% (w/v)] for eukaryotic green alga chlorella vulgaris . DNA histograms obtained form flow cytometric analysis reveal that on-line ultrafiltration influences the growth pattern. Prior to ultrafiltration the cells seem to have at a particular point in the cell cycle where they contain multiple chromosomal equivalents. Following ultrafiltration, these cells divide, and the new cells are committed to division so that cell growth resumes. The Prototype photobioreactor system was operated both in batch and in continuous mode for over 2 months. The measured oxygen production rate of 4-6 mmol/L culture h under continuous operation is consistent with th

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A flat inclined modular photobioreactor for outdoor mass cultivation of photoautotrophs

Qiang Hu 1, Hugo Guterman 2, Amos Richmond 1 *
Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurlon University of the Negey, Sede Boker 84990, Israel2Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ben-Gurlon University, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva, Israel

*Correspondence to Amos Richmond, Microalgal Biotechnology Laboratory, The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negey, Sede Boker 84990, Israel

Keywords - photobioreactor • solar irradiance • diffuse light • cell density • biomass productivity • Monodus subterraneus • Anabaena siamensis • Spirulina platensis

Abstract

A flat inclined modular photobioreactor (FIMP) for mass cultivation of photoautotrophic microorganisms is described. It consists of flat glass reactors connected in cascade facing the sun with the proper tilt angles to assure maximal exposure to direct beam radiation. The optimal cell density in reference to the length of the reactor light path was evaluated, and the effect of the tilt angle on utilization of both direct beam as well as diffuse sunlight was quantitatively assessed. The mixing mode and extent were also optimized in reference to productivity of biomass. The FIMP proved very successful in supporting continuous cultures of the tested species of photoautotrophs, addressing the major criteria involved in design optimization of photobioreactors: Made of fully transparent glass, inclined toward the sun and endowed with a high surface-to-volume ratio, it combines an optimal light path with a vigorous agitation system. The maximal exposure to the culture to solar irradiance as well as the substantial control of temperature facilitate, under these conditions, a particularly high, extremely light-limited optimal cell density. The integrated effects of these growth conditions resulted in record volumetric and areal output rates of Monodus subterraneus, Anabana siamensis, and Spirulina platensis.

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An Improved Method for Obtaining Axenic Clones of Planktonic Blue-green Algae

Journal of Phycology 10 (2), 238–240. doi:10.1111/j.0022-3646.1974.00238.x

Journal of PhycologyVolume 10 Issue 2 Page 238 - June 1974

To cite this article: Wayne W Carmichael, Paul R Gorham (1974)

Wayne W. Carmichael, Department of Botany, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Paul R. Gorham, Department of Botany, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Summary

Axenic clones from 5 isolates of Anabaena flosaquae, 1 isolate of Microcystis acruginosa, and 1 isolate of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae were obtained by a combination of steps that provided a 1000-fold reduction in the bacteria-algae ratio and permitted bacteria-free filaments or cells to be isolated and grown from agar pour plates. The first step consisted of the addition of phenol to a dark-treated culture to selectively reduce the numbers of actively growing bacteria while leaving the resting algal cells viable. The next steps involved washing the treated algal suspension on a Millipore filter pad or membrane followed by plating in washed agar containing buffered mineral medium plus vitamins and soil extract. The final steps consisted of incubating the agar pour plates, coring bacteria-free filaments or cells, culturing the agar cores in a buffered mineral medium, and rigorously testing the resulting cultures for bacteriological contamination. Between 50 and 90% of the cores grew, and of these about 50% were judged axenic. The method, with appropriate adaptations, should be suitable for obtaining axenic clones of other freshwater and marine algae.

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Effects of nutrient limitation on biochemical constituents of Ankistrodesmus falcatus

Kilham, Susan S.; Kreeger, Daniel A.; Goulden, Clyde E.; Lynn, Scott G.
Freshwater Biology (1997), 38(3), 591-596 CODEN: FWBLAB; ISSN: 0046-5070. English.

Abstract

Cell size and volume changed as a function of the type of resource limitation, with nitrogen-limited cells being smaller and less dense and phosphorus-limited cells being larger and more dense than non-limited cells. The major biochem. constituents of the green alga Ankistrodesmus falcatus varied as a function of nitrogen or phosphorus limitation (15% of maximum growth rate) compared to cells growing at their maximum rate. Nitrogen-limited cells had much lower protein content and phosphorus-limited cells had higher carbohydrate and lipid contents than cells growing under no limitation. Phosphorus-limited cells had a higher total lipid content than either nitrogen-limited or non-limited cells, but the lipid class composition was similar. The protein:lipid ratio was lowest (0.38) in the nitrogen-limited cells, intermediate in the phosphorus-limited cells (0.44) and highest in the non-limited control cells (1.14).

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Requirements for silicon in Synura petersenii

Klaveness, Dag; Guillard, Robert R. L.
Journal of Phycology (1975), 11(3), 349-55 CODEN: JPYLAJ; ISSN: 0022-3646. English.

Abstract

A Si requirement for growth is demonstrated for an alga other than a diatom. Concns. of <1mM SiO32- greatly decreased the growth rate of S. petersenii and caused morphol. changes. Half maximum growth rate appeared at a concentration of only 0.23mM SiO32-. GeO2 inhibited growth considerably; the degree of inhibition varying from none to almost 100% depending upon both Si and Ge concns. The amount of Si deposited in the external scales of S. petersenii is comparable per unit area to that of diatoms. S. petersenii is able to deplete the medium of SiO32- to very low levels. The feasibility of batch culture techniques for this kind of work is discussed briefly.

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Photosynthetic capacity and luxury uptake of carbon during phosphate limitation in Pediastrum duplex (Chlorophyceae)

Lehman, John T.
Journal of Phycology (1976), 12(2), 190-3 CODEN: JPYLAJ; ISSN: 0022-3646. English.

When cells of Pediastrum duplex experience depletion, their capacity for C fixation declined but sizes and C contents of the cells increased several-fold, an apparent instance of "luxury uptake" of C. Max. rates of uptake of phosphate increased during the same period, and were consequently correlated with the enlarged surface area of the cells. Thus, the disadvantage of increased cell volume, which may accelerate sinking speed in nature, is offset by the increased capacity of the cells for nutrient uptake.

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Phosphorus limitation of Daphnia growth: is it real?

Urabe, Jotaro; Clasen, Jessica; Sterner, Robert W.
Limnology and Oceanography (1997), 42(6), 1436-1443 CODEN: LIOCAH; ISSN: 0024-3590. English.

Abstract

The possibility of P limitation for zooplankton growth has many implications for understanding changes in production efficiency and feedback dynamics between consumers and resources. However, there have been no direct tests to determine whether the putative P limitation is real. To answer this question, we directly supplied inorg. P to Daphnia magna apart from food algae, Scenedesmus acutus, and then examined changes in body mass. During the period from birth to age 6 d, D. magna were fed on live algae for 19 h and placed in water of high inorg. P (4 mM: P treatment) for 5 h each day. We used P-free water as a control treatment. Growth rate estimated from initial and final body mass during the 6-d incubation was significantly larger in the P treatment than in the control treatment when Daphnia fed on P-deficient algae, whereas a significant difference was not detected between the treatments for Daphnia fed on P-sufficient algae (C: P atomic < 300). The results clearly demonstrate that Daphnia growth is in fact limited by P itself when they feed on P-deficient algae

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The effects of continuous light and light intensity on the reproduction rates of twenty-two species of marine phytoplankton

L. E. Brand and R. R. L. Guillard Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A. Available online 1 April 2003.

Abstract

The acclimated reproduction rates of 22 species of marine phytoplankton were measured at 0.01, 0.023, 0.1, and 0.23 ly/min in continuous light and in a 14: 10 h light: dark cycle. Three species that reproduced exponentially at all four light intensities in the 14: 10 LD regime did not reproduce at all in continuous light at any of the light intensities. One species, which reproduced at the two lowest light intensities in the 14: 10 LD regime, failed to reproduce at all in continuous light at any light intensity examined. Seven species reproduced more slowly in continuous light than in the 14: 10 LD regime at most or all light intensities. Four species reproduced at roughly the same rate in both light regimes. Five species reproduced more rapidly in continuous light.
No general phylogenetic trend could be discerned from the responses of the species to the different light intensities or to continuous light. In general, species from coastal regions can reproduce as rapidly or more rapidly in continuous light than in a 14: 10 LD cycle, while most species from oceanic regions are harmed by continuous light. A phylogenetic trend in maximum potential reproduction rate is apparent, with diatoms being the fastest, dinoflagellates the slowest, and coccolithophores somewhat intermediate.

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COMBO: a defined freshwater culture medium for algae and zooplankton
Journal - Hydrobiologia
Publisher - Springer Netherlands
Issue - Volume 377, Numbers 1-3 / July, 1998
DOI - 10.1023/A:1003231628456
SpringerLink Date - Friday, October 29, 2004

Susan S. Kilham, Daniel A. Kreeger, Scott G. Lynn, Clyde E. Goulden and Lazaro Herrera

Abstract

In order to conduct experiments on interactions between animals and food organisms, it is necessary to develop a medium that adequately supports the growth of both algae and zooplankton without the need to alter the medium to accommodate either the algae or the animals. We devised a freshwater medium, named COMBO, that supports excellent growth of both algae and zooplankton. Two types of algae, Ankistrodesmus falcatus and Stephanodiscus hantzschii, were reared in COMBO and their growth rates were not significantly different from those of algae grown in a reference medium (WC). One of these algae, A. falcatus, was then fed to a cladoceran, Daphnia pulicaria, which was also cultured in COMBO, and the resulting fecundities of D. pulicaria were compared to those of animals reared in natural surface water. We also determined whether the value of COMBO as a medium for D. pulicaria was affected by modifications in nitrogen or phosphorus concentration to evaluate whether the new medium will be useful in nutritional research. Lowering the N or P content of COMBO did not affect the reproductive performance of D. pulicaria. Other researchers have also reported excellent growth and reproduction by numerous algae and zooplankton reared in COMBO. Our results suggest that COMBO is an effective artificial, defined culture medium capable of supporting robust growth and reproduction of both freshwater algae and zooplankton.

algae - culture media - trace metals - zooplankton

This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.

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The Culture Collection of Algae at Indiana University

Richard C. StarrAmerican Journal of Botany, Vol. 51, No. 9 (Oct., 1964), pp. 1013-1044

doi:10.2307/2440254

Abstract

A list is presented of cultures of algae available for purposes of research and teaching. The list includes 753 Chlorophyta; 94 Chrysophyta; 56 Cyanophyta; 55 Euglenophyta; 7 Pyrrophyta; 6 Rhodophyta; 1 species of Phaeophyta; and 5 residual flagellates. Formulae of culture media and directions for maintaining the cultures are included, as are instructions for evoking the sexual process in species of Chlamydomonas, Astrephomene, Pandorina, Eudorina, Cosmarium, Closterium, Oedogonium, Bulbochaete, and Vaucheria.

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Mixotrophic growth ofChlorella sorokiniana in outdoor enclosed photobioreactor

Journal - Journal of Applied Phycology
Publisher - Springer Netherlands
Subject - Biomedical and Life Sciences
Issue -
Volume 8, Number 2 / March, 1996
SpringerLink Date - Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Yuan-Kun Lee1, Sun-Yeun Ding1, Chye-Hock Hoe1 and Chin-Seng Low1
(1)
Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119260

Received: 5 January 1996 Revised: 29 March 1996 Accepted: 2 April 1996

Abstract

Chlorella sorokiniana was cultured in heterotrophic or mixotrophic mode in outdoor enclosed tubular photobioreactor. The culture temperature was maintained at 32–35 °C. At night, theChlorella culture grew heterotrophically, and 0.1 M glucose was completely consumed. The biomass growth yield of glucose was 0.35 ± 0.001 g-biomass g-glucose–1. During the day, the algal culture grew mixotrophically and the biomass growth yield was 0.49 g-biomass g-glucose–1 in low density culture (initial biomass concentration, Xo = 2 g l–1), 0.56 g-biomass g-glucose–1 in medium density culture (Xo = 4 g l–1) and 0.46 g-biomass g-glucose–1 in high density culture (Xo = 7 g l–1). The daily area productivity of the culture, with Xo = 4 g l–1 corresponded to 127 g-biomass m–2 d–1 during the day and 79 g-biomass m–2 d–1 during the night. In all the cultures, the dissolved O2 concentration increased in the morning, reached the maximum value at noon, and then decreased in the afternoon. The dissolved CO2 concentration remained at 3 mBar in the morning and increased in the afternoon. Glycolate was not found to accumulate in culture medium.

Key words mixotrophic - photosynthetic - Chlorella - outdoor culture - enclosed photoreactor

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The use of HUFA-rich algal meals in diets for Litopenaeus vannamei

Aquaculture Nutrition 12 (5), 395–401. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2095.2006.00440.x
Aquaculture Nutrition - Volume 12 Issue 5 Page 395 - October 2006

The use of HUFA-rich algal meals in diets for Litopenaeus vannamei
S. PATNAIK - Shrimp Mariculture Research Facility, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Corpus Christi, TX
T.M. SAMOCHA - Shrimp Mariculture Research Facility, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Corpus Christi, TX,
D.A. DAVIS - Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University, AL,
R.A. BULLIS - Advanced BioNutrition Corp., Columbia, MD &
C.L. BROWDY - Waddell Mariculture Center, Marine Resources Research Institute, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, SC, USA
Dr T. M. Samocha, Shrimp Mariculture Research Facility, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, USA.

Abstract

A 15-week growth trial was conducted with juvenile, Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei to study the efficacy of using algal meals as a source of highly unsaturated fatty acids in practical diets that are designed to contain no marine protein or oil sources. Based on previous study, a practical diet was designed containing co-extruded soybean poultry by-product meal with egg supplement and soybean meal as the primary protein sources for formulations containing 350 g kg1 crude protein and 100 g kg1 lipid. To further refine the diets, the fish oil in two of the diets was completely substituted with plant oils and oil originating from microbial fermentation products rich in docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ArA). A commercial shrimp feed was also included in the trial for comparison. The mean values for shrimp final weight (17.8 g), yield (537.7 g m2 or 703.2 g m3), survival (98.5%) and feed conversion ratio (1.4 : 1) showed no statistically significant differences between diets. The results suggest that co-extruded soybean poultry by-product meal and oil from heterotrophic microalgal fermentation sources can be potential candidates for fish meal and marine oil replacement in shrimp diets.

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Commercial Applications of Microalgae

Pauline Spolaore1)2), Claire Joannis-Cassan1), Elie Duran2) and Arsène Isambert1)
1) Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, Ecole Centrale Paris2) Evaflor
(Received 22-Jul-2005)(Accepted 28-Oct-2005)

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Vol. 101 (2006) , No. 2 p.87-96

Abstract

The first use of microalgae by humans dates back 2000 years to the Chinese, who used Nostoc to survive during famine. However, microalgal biotechnology only really began to develop in the middle of the last century. Nowadays, there are numerous commercial applications of microalgae. For example, (i) microalgae can be used to enhance the nutritional value of food and animal feed owing to their chemical composition, (ii) they play a crucial role in aquaculture and (iii) they can be incorporated into cosmetics. Moreover, they are cultivated as a source of highly valuable molecules. For example, polyunsaturated fatty acid oils are added to infant formulas and nutritional supplements and pigments are important as natural dyes. Stable isotope biochemicals help in structural determination and metabolic studies. Future research should focus on the improvement of production systems and the genetic modification of strains. Microalgal products would in that way become even more diversified and economically competitive.
Key words: microalgae, carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids

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Biotechnology of algal biomass production: a review of systems for outdoor mass culture

Journal - Journal of Applied Phycology
Publisher - Springer Netherlands
Subject - Biomedical and Life Sciences
Issue - Volume 5, Number 6 / December, 1993
SpringerLink Date - Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Biotechnology of algal biomass production: a review of systems for outdoor mass culture
Daniel Chaumont1
(1)
Centre de Cadarache, Département de Physiologie Végétale et Ecosystèmes, Section d'Ecophysiologie en Conditions Contrôlées, Groupe d'Ecotechnie, Bâtiment 177, 13108 Saint Paul les Durance Cedex, France
Received: 19 July 1993 Revised: 16 August 1993 Accepted: 17 August 1993

Abstract

Microalgae are very efficient solar energy converters and they can produce a great variety of metabolites. Man has always tried to take advantage of these proporties through algal mass culture. Despite the fact that many applications for microalgae have been described in the literature, these micro-organisms are still of minor economic importance. Industrial reactors for algal culture are at present, all designed as open race-ways (shallow open ponds where culture is circulated by a paddle-wheel). Technical and biological limitations of these open systems have given rise to the development of enclosed photoreactors (made of transparent tubes, sleeves or containers and where light source may be natural or artificial). The present review surveys advances in these two technologies for cultivation of microalgae. Starting from published results, the advantages and disadvantages of open systems and closed photobioreactors are discussed. A few open systems are presented for which particularly reliable results are available. Emphasis is then put on closed systems, which have been considered as capital intensive and are justified only when a fine chemical is to be produced.
Key words microalgae - culture systems - race-ways - photobioreactors - mass culture - algal biotechnology

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Sustained Photobiological Hydrogen Gas Production upon Reversible Inactivation of Oxygen Evolution in the Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

From Plant Physiol, Jan 2000

1 Anastasios Melis,* Liping Zhang, Marc Forestier, Maria L. Ghirardi, and Michael Seibert
Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, 111 Koshland Hall, Berkeley, California 94720-3102 (A.M., L.Z.); and Basic Sciences Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401-3393 (M.F., M.L.G., M.S.).

The work describes a novel approach for sustained photobiological production of H2 gas via the reversible hydrogenase pathway in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This single-organism, two-stage H2 production method circumvents the severe O2 sensitivity of the reversible hydrogenase by temporally separating photosynthetic O2 evolution and carbon accumulation (stage 1) from the consumption of cellular metabolites and concomitant H2 production (stage 2). A transition from stage 1 to stage 2 was effected upon S deprivation of the culture, which reversibly inactivated photosystem II (PSII) and O2 evolution. Under these conditions, oxidative respiration by the cells in the light depleted O2 and caused anaerobiosis in the culture, which was necessary and sufficient for the induction of the reversible hydrogenase. Subsequently, sustained cellular H2 gas production was observed in the light but not in the dark. The mechanism of H2 production entailed protein consumption and electron transport from endogenous substrate to the cytochrome b6-f and PSI complexes in the chloroplast thylakoids. Light absorption by PSI was required for H2 evolution, suggesting that photoreduction of ferredoxin is followed by electron donation to the reversible hydrogenase. The latter catalyzes the reduction of protons to molecular H2 in the chloroplast stroma.

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