PERFORMANCE OF Tisochrysis lutea AND Chaetoceros muelleri: MICROALGAE STRAINS UNDER LED CONDITIONS  

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are not commonly used in laboratories and hatcheries as the sole light source for algal growth. LEDs show advantages over traditional fluorescent lighting by supplying specific spectra that optimize algal growth and release less heat. Red, blue, and white LEDs were utilized in the newly-constructed oyster hatchery on Grand Isle, La for the growth of Tisochrysis lutea (formerly Isochrysis galbana) and Chaetoceros muelleri. Algal density and light intensity were monitored for ten day periods in 500 mL stock flasks, 1 L aerated Erlenmeyer flasks, and 2.8 L aerated Fernbach flasks. The purpose was to determine how dense these two microalgae strains can grow under LED lights and when Fernbach cultures reach optimal density. Preliminary studies showed rapid growth of the algal species under LED lighting (Figures 1 and 2). Expanded tests assisted with decision-making for culture transfers from Fernbach flasks to bag cultures at the optimal stage in the algal growth curve, as well as identify if the addition of a supplementary light source would be beneficial for maximum algal growth. Efficient algal production is critical to optimizing oyster larvae production from the Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery on Grand Isle, La for oyster rehabilitation efforts.