Simple Quantitative Measurement of Nannochloropsis Micro Algae in Water Using Shimadzu UV Micro Algae Analysis System

Introduction

Global warming due to the burning of fossil fuels is now widely recognized as a problem, and among the alternatives to fossil fuels, the extraction of fuel from micro algae has been actively investigated in recent years. While the yield per unit area of micro algae is high, and harvesting is possible year round, these advantages are offset by many challenges in the development process that must be overcome for micro algae to become a viable source of alternative fuel. Currently, various studies at each stage in the production process, including breeding, cultivation, harvesting, and oil extraction are being undertaken. In studying micro algae, measurement of the daily growth (concentration) is important. Currently, this measurement is conducted by the dry weight method, in which the sample is filtered using filter paper, and then dried prior to weighing. However, a simpler, faster method is being sought to replace this time-consuming dry weight method. Here, we introduce Shimadzu's newly developed UV micro algae analysis system which permits simple measurement of the micro algae concentration using a spectrophotometer. Measurement of a single sample can be accomplished very quickly in about one minute using a disposable screw-cap vial (or disposable cell). This Application News introduces an example of measurement of Nannochloropsis micro algae using the Shimadzu micro algae analysis system.

November 7, 2014 GMT