Journal of Marine Science: Research & Development
Open Access

Abstract

Microalgae have the most significant contribution towards the global environment, oxygen production and carbon cycle thus understanding marine microalgae is important. Hence the factors that affect the growth should be considered and studied more before the culture of these algae. Photosynthesis is most important in plant growth. Thus this study tried to investigate the optimum light intensity (Lux) required achieving maximum yield of Chaetoceros muelleri in laboratory culture. The inoculation of the Algae was done under controlled environment where the cells were counted and assumed to be the same for all. The pure strand of C. muelleri with f2 media (8 sets of 3 flasks) were placed in front of the light source at lux values of 0 lux, 500 lux, 1000 lux, 1500 lux, 2000 lux and 2500 lux. The cell count was the basic result that was collected. At every 24hours cells were counted and readings were recorded. The experiment lasted 7 days. The result showed that there was significant growth that is the number of cells increased exponentially as the Light intensity (lux) increased till the culture was exposed to a 1000 lux where maximum cells were counted during the culture period (168 hours). It was evident that the optimum light intensity for flask culture in laboratory was 1000 lux. The optimum light intensity for flask culture in laboratory is 1000 lux. However, results from the experiment showed that the cell growth with 1500 lux was very close and similar to 1000 lux. It is recommended that further studies should be carried out as Fiji?s Aquaculture Industries are blooming.

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