Journal d'océanographie et de recherche marine
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Evaluation of Relationship between Light Intensity (Lux) and Growth of Chaetoceros muelleri

Pal SW, Singh NK and Azam K

Microalgae have the most significant contribution towards the global environment, oxygen production and carbon cycle consequently understanding marine microalgae is vital. Hence the factors that affect the growth should be considered and studied in advance before the culturing of these algae. Photosynthesis is most important in plant growth. Thus this study tries to find out the optimum light intensity (Lux) required for achieving maximum yield of Chaetoceros muelleri in a 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 24 hours 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). From previous studies it was evident that the optimum light intensity for flask culture in laboratory was 1000 lux. However, results from the experiment show that the cell growth with 1500 lux is very close and similar to 1000 lux. Some recommendations after the experiment are; that there is very little literature on the above topic and that this area requires a lot more attention as Fiji’s Aquaculture Industries are blooming thus there is a need for further research and study around the same area.