This study examined the cell growth rate, lipid
contents, lipid productivity, chlorophyll
a concentration,
and carbon dioxide tolerance of
Chlorella vulgaris
under
various cultivation conditions. The pH, concentration of
carbon dioxide in media, and light intensity variables were
manipulated to obtain high lipid productivity. The optimum
conditions were at pH 7.0, 2,930 lux, and 30 %
carbon dioxide. Biomass concentration reached 1,288,
1,130, and 1,083 mg L
-1 at 15, 30, and 50 % CO
2 after
6 days, respectively, implying that this strain has appreciable
tolerance to carbon dioxide. The highest concentration
of chlorophyll
a occurred at 2,930 lux and
decreased with increasing light intensity gradually. The
maximum specific growth rate was 3.25 day
-1 based on
the dry weight and 4.63 day
-1 based on the cell number.
The lipid content (45.68 %) and lipid productivity
(86.03 mg day
-1 L
-1) obtained in this study are higher
than reported values in literatures. Hence,
C. vulgaris is a
good candidate for subsequent research in biodiesel production
under elevated carbon dioxide concentration by
microalgae.