Laboratory culture for 14C-labeling of Chlorella and Oedogonium

Algae were cultured in experiments that attained efficient CO2 utilization permitting 14C=labeling of cells and that compared growth characteristics of unicellular Chlorella sp. and filamentous Oedogonium sp. Culture vessels were 500ml glass tubes through which air enriched to 5% CO2 was slowly metered. The tubes, used in a vertical position for growing Chlorella, were filled with culture medium and the cells kept in suspension using a mganetic stirrer. Tubes placed horizontally and half filled with medium were used for Oedogonium permitting the 3g/l. in 5 days for Chlorella and 1 g/0.5 1. in 10 days for 3g/l. in 2 days for Chlorella and 1 g/0.5 l. in 10 days for Oedogonium. Efficiency and rate of CO2 fixation, cell size and cell weight for the two algae are evaluated. (author)