How Lit Can Algae Get?: Testing How Different Colors of Light Effects the Growth of Picochlorum oklahomense

Abstract

Algae are small plants in aquatic systems all around the world. Algae use an energy conversion mechanism called photosynthesis to turn light energy into consumable chemical energy; this chemical energy can be converted to biofuels, such as ethanol, which can be a great substitute for common petroleum-based biofuels. We tested algae growth effects based on different colors of light: red, blue, green, and white (control) by using built photobioreactors as a safe environment for the algae. …….. To determine algae growth, we used the cell density and dry weight methods.