Algal growth prediction using growth kinetic constants

The growth kinetics under conditions of phosphorus limitation of Selenastrum capricornutum Printz, a green alga specified for use in algal bioassays, were used to predict growth in batch cultures for varied specific conditions of time and phosphorus concentration. These predictions compared very well with actual batch culture growth studies. The predicted maximum cell concentration for two different levels of phosphorus lay within values obtained in different laboratories. The predicted maximum specific growth rates ( μ ̄ ) were either close to or just above actual laboratory data. The determination of growth kinetics thus allows accurate prediction of the growth of planktonic algae, a benefit in either algal bioassays or the solution of practical eutrophication problems. The growth kinetic constants of specific algae important in eutrophication problems need to be determined in order to utilize potentialities of prediction in the rational solution of these problems.