Optimizing Growth Conditions and Biochemical Properties of Chondracanthus acicularis (Rhodophyta) in Laboratory Settings
Source abstract
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the laboratory cultivation of Chondracanthus acicularis, focusing on key environmental parameters such as nutrient levels and light exposure. The results provide insights into the optimal growth conditions and biochemical composition of C. acicularis, which are crucial for its sustainable exploitation in industrial applications. Significant differences in the relative growth rate (RGR) and productivity (Y) were found between the different treatments. Seaweed grown on Provasoli (PES) Medium with white LED light and red LED light showed the best growth rates. Negative growth was observed in treatments with Nutribloom plus®, and blue LED light. The proximate composition analysis revealed a high moisture content across all treatments, with significant differences in ash and organic matter content between the treatments. The use of LED light played a crucial role in optimizing growth by influencing photosynthetic efficiency and pigment production. The proximate composition varied significantly between treatments, especially ash and organic matter. Light and nutrient conditions also influenced pigmentation and colour characteristics, with significant changes in phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, and chlorophyll concentration. PES treatments consistently showed the highest colour variation. These findings highlight the influence of environmental conditions on seaweed growth, productivity, pigmentation, and proximate composition, and provide valuable insights for optimized cultivation strategies.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Marine and coastal plant biology · Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds · Algal biology and biofuel production
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Edifício Cetemares, Av. Porto de Pesca, 2520-641 Peniche, Portugal
School of Tourism and Maritime Technology, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Rua do Conhecimento 4, 2520-614 Peniche, Portugal
MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET-Aquatic Research Network, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
Funding
FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P.
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