Optimization for Scenedesmus obliquus Cultivation: the Effects of Temperature, Light Intensity and pH on Growth and Biochemical Composition

Microalgae have been explored as potential host species for biofuel production. Environmental factors affect algal growth and cellular composition. The effects of several key environmental factors, such as temperature, light, and pH of the medium on the growth and biochemical composition of Scenedesmus obliquus were investigated in this study. The highest growth rate of microalgae was observed at an optimal temperature of 25℃, 150 μmol/(m2·s) light intensity, and pH 10.0. The biochemical composition analysis revealed that the carbohydrate content decreased at lower (20℃) or higher temperature (35℃), whereas the protein and lipid contents increase at these temperatures. The fluctuation of light intensity significantly affected the contents of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid. The protein levels varied greatly when the pH of the medium was below 7.0. The carbohydrate and lipid contents significantly increased at pH above 7.0.