Influences of different stress media and high light intensities on accumulation of astaxanthin in the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis

Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow is used in the aquaculture, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of various stress media and high light intensities on astaxanthin accumulation. The experimental design was achieved by four different stress media and two different light intensities for 14 days of induction period. The astaxanthin concentrations of 29.62 mg g−1 and 30.07 mg g−1 were obtained in distilled water with CO2 and N-free medium, respectively, with no significant difference between them at 546 μmol photons m−2 s−1. Because of the morphological changes of H. pluvialis, microscopic observation was considered during the induction period to facilitate the selection of stress medium. It was clear that the rate of astaxanthin accumulation was much faster in distilled water with the addition of CO2. The main point is that, this medium is more economical than others, especially for the large-scale productions.