Cultivation of Microalgae for Live Food under White Light-emitting Diodes (LEDs)

We grew Pavlova lutheri and Chaetoceros neogracile under white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or fl uores- cent lamps as artifi cial light sources. Cell density and size were measured with a particle counter following culture in a 3-L fl ask or a 30-L water tank. There were no signifi cant differences in cell density, maximum specifi c growth rate, or cell size between the cultures under the LEDs and those under the fl uorescent lamps. However, the LED lasted longer and consumed less electricity than the fl uorescent lamp. Because their low power consumption saves on electricity costs, LEDs are useful as sources of artifi cial light for cultivation of marine microalgae.