CEST2025

Light intensity and temperature are key environmental parameters that influence microalgae growth and biomass composition. This study evaluated the combined effects of light intensity and temperature variation on growth, total lipid content, and fatty acid composition of Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oculata, considering their potential utilization for food or bioenergy production. The maximum growth rate of C. vulgaris (0.12 d-1) was achieved under 70 µE m-2 s-1, while the algal growth was inhibited entirely under 18 and 40 µE m-2 s-1 at 35 °C. Almost 50% of the maximum growth rate was reduced by changing the temperature from 20 °C under 70 µE m-2 s-1 in N. oculata. The maximum lipid content of 15.1% and 21.9% was obtained under 40 and 18 µE m-2 s-1 for C. vulgaris and N. oculata at 25 °C, respectively. Fatty acid profiles changed considerably in different light and temperatures, and the high values of palmitic acid (60%) at high light intensity were recorded for both microalgae. The data of this work will help predict the fatty acid properties and yields relevant to both food integrators formulation and biofuel production.