The demand for microalgal biomass has been increasing over the past few years which has led to a search for new methods to increase their production. One of the most common production systems is open raceway ponds. Although this method is cheaper, it also has more disadvantages, such as the poor light distribution. 

To address this problem, researchers from the Portuguese Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), together with Greencolab, Necton and Allmicroalgae, studied the impact and costs of integrating LED in outdoor raceway ponds.

Researchers found that the use of LEDs in microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica increased growth, especially during the night. In addition, they found an increase in protein and carbohydrate content. “This research presents a possibility to optimize the process of microalgae production at an industrial scale. However, the incorporation of this type of light should be mainly considered in the production of high-value products, since it represents an additional cost in the production of microalgae,” researchers concluded.

Check out the study here.