Different light intensity on Messastrum gracile growth under phototrophic cultivation in laboratory

Abstract

The present research evaluates the effects of three different lighting intensities, 60 (control), 30 and 120 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 on Messastrum gracile growth. The observations indicated that a light intensity of 60 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 resulted in higher cell density during experimental period. The light intensity of 120 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 had a strong negative impact on M. gracile growth. Parameters such as lipid and protein content, cell density, chlorophyll-a and biomass were lower compared to the other light intensities. On the 14th and 21st growth days, the biomass, lipid and protein content were higher at 60 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 with 800 mg L− 1, 5.7% and 34.4% biomass dry weight, respectively. The study also highlighted the economic aspects of M. gracile cultivation. The light intensities 30 and 60 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 were found to be more advantageous than 120 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 in terms of biomass, unit cost, lipid and protein content. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the light intensities of 30 and 60 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 are more viable for M. gracile cultivation in laboratory under conditions used.