Date of Award

Summer 2020

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Committee Chair

Dr. Donald G. Redalje

Committee Chair School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Committee Member 2

Dr. Denis Wiesenburg

Committee Member 3

Dr. Patrick Biber

Abstract

In this study, a strain of Oocystis sp. (S002) was grown using two different growth strategies at three different temperatures (15°C, 20°C, 25°C). One strategy (GS1) kept a constant specific growth rate (µ) and the other (GS2) kept a constant relative growth rate (µ/µmax). In both strategies, the cultures were grown following the protocols of a hybrid growth system. The Dilution Phase is an initial semi-continuous growth phase that involves daily dilutions until set growth criteria are met. Followed by a batch culture growth protocol where the cultures were diluted at the onset of the first day and left to grow for two days (Harvest Phase). Six replicates were grown with samples taken at Dilution and Harvest Phase to study any effects on the physiology of S002. In order to compare the biomass composition, the following analyses were done: CN content, the extracted chl a concentration, lipid concentration using Nile Red stain, and the ash free dry weight. The results of this study indicated that the cultures grown most likely did not undergo nutrient stress except during GS1 at 20°C. Given the results under these conditions, neither GS1 nor GS2 is better than the other at keeping the biomass composition steady across the temperatures or for increasing the biomass and lipid during Harvest Phase of 25°C. However, given the results of this study, GS1 is as effective as GS2 when used in the optimal temperature range of the algal species used for experiments under these conditions.

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