| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 681336 | Bioresource Technology | 2012 | 7 Pages |
The effect of light conditions on the growth of green algae Chlorella vulgaris and cyanobacteria Gloeothece membranacea was investigated by filtering different wavelengths of visible light and comparing against a model daylight source as a control. Luminescent acrylic sheets containing violet, green, orange or red dyes illuminated by a solar simulator produced the desired wavelengths of light for this study. From the experimental results the highest specific growth rate for C. vulgaris was achieved using the orange range whereas violet light promoted the growth of G. membranacea. Red light exhibited the least efficiency in conversion of light energy into biomass in both strains of microalgae. Photosynthetic pigment formation was examined and maximum chlorophyll-a production in C. vulgaris was obtained by red light illumination. Green light yielded the best chlorophyll-a production in G. membranacea. The proposed illumination strategy offers improved microalgae growth without resorting to artificial light sources, reducing energy use and costs of cultivation.
► Growth/chlorophyll production of microalgae under varied light conditions studied. ► Natural light source modified using various luminescent acrylic sheets. ► Improved growth rates achieved under wavelength-modified light. ► Chlorophyll-a production increased under wavelength-modified light. ► Improved growth under modified natural light reduces need for artificial lighting.
