Effects of light intensity on the growth of Cryptomonas sp. (Cryptophyceae)

Huan Xin Weng, Ya Chao Qin, Xiang Wei Sun, Xun Hong Chen, Jing Feng Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Laboratory culture experiments have been conducted to evaluate the effects of light intensity on the growth of Cryptomonas sp. (Cryptophyceae) and the discrepancy in absorption of iron and phosphorus under different light conditions. Results show that there is an exponential correlation between algal growth rate and light intensity. The saturating and semi-saturating light values for Cryptomonas sp. cells are 150 and 47 μmol photons m-2 s -1, respectively. More uptake of Fe, P, and other trace elements such as Zn, Mn, Co, and Mo is observed in the low light cultures, although the algal growth rates are slow. The growth rate at 10 μmol photons m-2 s-1 is only 10% of that at 150 μmol photons m-2 s -1, whereas Fe and P uptake increases by 150 and 100%, respectively. These results suggest potential implications of differentiation in absorption of iron and phosphorus at different light intensities for the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The mechanisms of light intensity regulating nutrient uptake as well as the occurrence of HABs are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)9-15
Number of pages7
JournalEnvironmental Geology
Volume57
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009

Keywords

  • Cryptomonas sp.
  • Iron
  • Light intensity
  • Limitation
  • Phosphorus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Pollution
  • Soil Science

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