Effect of Different Light Wavelength on the Growth of Marine Microalgae

Abstract

Tetraselmis sp. and Nannochloropsis sp. are common marine microalgae used as substrates for production of biodiesel which is the third generation alternative energy. Recently, wavelength of light is believed to influence the growth of marine microalgae. In this investigation, two different types of light wavelength; red and blue which can influence the production of microalgae were investigated. The marine microalgae growths were observed in terms of biomass which was then measured using the UV-vis spectrophotometer. The results showed that both Tetraselmis sp. and Nannochloropsis sp. grow better in the blue light compared to the red light indicated by the higher absorbance readings.