| Abstract: | A simple, low-priced 30 liter tower-type algal pilot plant for the cultivation of light- and motion-sensitive species is described. Two hundred g wet weight of Microcystis aeruginosa were obtained per harvest. Since the self-shading of denser cultures could be compensated for only to a limited extent by increasing the light intensity without damaging the cells, the efficiency of various culture-vessel widths was determined for the growth of Microcystis : the best results were obtained with a width of 3.5 cm. Light requirements of Microcystis were studied in shadowless suspensions. The compensation point of photosynthesis varied between 200 and 300 lx, depending on the preillumination, whereas the light saturation point was found to be near 4000 Ix. The light optimum for photosynthesis was not identical with that for good growth. |
