Basic questions about algae - (Nov/30/2009 )

Hi all --

I'm looking for some very basic information about algae, about which I know nothing -- I'm trying to help my son (age 14) design a science fair experiment. He wants to do something with algae, e.g. see what effect different culture conditions (lighting, temperature, pH) have on growth rate.

First, what is a good genus/species of algae to use? I assume freshwater species are easier to deal with than saltwater species? Maybe he could use a couple (one green, one red, for example).

Second, what is a good general-purpose (liquid) media for use in growing such species? A recipe would be appreciated, one that is hopefully not too exotic...

Third, what's a good way to measure growth rate in such a culture? Accumulation of dissolved oxygen? Biomass measurements? Are there somewhat simple (science fair level) ways of measuring such things over time with a reasonable degree of accuracy?

Finally, how rapidly does algae grow? I'm used to bacterial cultures, where changes are apparent over a matter of hours. Do algal cultures produce measurable changes over a similar time period, or is it only apparent over a matter of days or weeks?

Any ideas or discussion greatly appreciated...

I've only cultures algae once, nearly 10 years ago, and all I recall is having to make several solutions and then take small amounts of each and put it into another solution... not much help really.

I did find this website though, it should be some help...

http://hydrodictyon.eeb.uconn.edu/eebedia/...gy_of_the_Algae

Also check out the links at the bottom of this wikipedia page...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algal_nutrient_solutions

Thanks, bob1 -- I appreciate the links. I've found a lot of media recipes on the web, but I guess I have to determine what genus/species would be best before I can figure out the appropriate media.

Any algae researchers here at the BioForum?

hi hb,

just read this paper recently and i think you might find some of the references useful. i believe the main focus is on spirulina.

best wishes.