Effects of Light, Nutrient, and Temperature on Algal Physiology and Growth
Abstract
Algae play a vital role in many aquatic ecosystems. They are the major primary producers and form the basic unit of the food chain without which the ecosystem could collapse. Algae are also useful as sources of food, biofuel, waste water purifiers and help mitigate global warming by consuming carbon dioxide in nature. A breakthrough in the understanding of the environmental effects on their physiology and growth will, therefore, help in improving their growth, with many benefits to the ecosystem in return. In this study, optimal light cycles, nutrient concentration, and temperature for algal growth and physiology were tested. Algae were grown under different nutrient concentrations, light and dark cycles, or different temperatures. ANOVA results revealed that nutrient concentration had significant effects on Chlorella vulgaris physiology and biomass. The 0.35% of Miracle-Gro nutrient solution produced the highest biomass of algae. Light hour treatment significantly influenced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (Ft), Quantum Yield (QY), relative density, and biomass. QY decreased with the increase of light hour. High temperature (390C) reduced relative density of algae. Control of environmental factors to ensures optimum conditions will directly impact positively on the ecosystem in terms of primary production, environmental pollution and global warming control, and improved life of other flora and fauna in the ecosystems.
Subject Area
Biology|Biological oceanography
Recommended Citation
Danah Aldossari,
"Effects of Light, Nutrient, and Temperature on Algal Physiology and Growth"
(2016).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI10243516.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI10243516