Abstract
With fast growth rates, broad halotolerance and the ability to thrive at high temperatures, algae in the genus Picochlorum are emerging as promising biomass producers. Recently, we isolated a remarkably productive strain, Picochlorum celeri, that attains > 40 g m−2 day−1 productivities using simulated outdoor light. To test outdoor productivities, Picochlorum celeri was cultivated in 820 L raceway ponds at the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation. Picochlorum celeri demonstrated the highest outdoor biomass productivities reported to date at this testbed averaging ~ 31 g m−2 day−1 over four months with a monthly (August) high of ~ 36 g m−2 day−1. Several single day productivities were > 40 g m−2 day−1. Importantly for sustainability, Picochlorum celeri achieved these productivities in saline water ranging from seawater to 50 parts per thousand sea salts, without any biocides or pond crashes, for over 143 days. Lastly, we report robust genetic engineering tools for future strain improvements.
Highlights
To determine whether the promising productivities previously reported in the laboratory[6] could be scaled and realized outdoors, Picochlorum celeri was submitted to the DOE DISCOVR algal biotechnology program w orkflow[14]
Maximum Specific Growth Rate (day−1)a nb t-test p value wrt 35 PPTc salt concentrations up to 100 PPT (~ 3X seawater). These data demonstrate that Picochlorum celeri grows well at the elevated temperatures and salt concentrations frequently encountered in outdoor seawater ponds
Strains chosen for large-scale outdoor growth must be robust, tolerating extreme environments and exhibiting high productivity and longevity
Summary
The maximum specific growth rate was measured in dilute, exponential phase, shake-flask cultures grown in DISCOVR medium (35 PPT dissolved marine salts) and illuminated with white light at ~ 480 μmol m−2 s−1 PAR (Table 1). These data demonstrate that Picochlorum celeri grows well at the elevated temperatures and salt concentrations frequently encountered in outdoor seawater ponds.
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