Repeated nitrogen starvation doesn't affect lipid productivity of Chlorococcum littorale

In the present work we wanted to know what happens during time to biomass and lipid productivities of Chlorococcum littorale repeatedly subjected to N-starvation. Experiments were done using repeated cycles of batch-wise N run-out (after 2 days N = 0). Two different cycles were used: repeated short-starvation (6 days of N = 0) over a total period of 72 days and repeated long-starvation (13 days of N = 0) over a total period of 75 days. Batches (using fresh inocula) were done separately as control. Shorter and longer periods of starvation showed no differences in biomass productivities and PSII quantum yield evolution. The repeated short-starvation-batches showed the same lipid productivities as the control short-starvation batches. Most importantly, the biomass lipid content was the same between control and repeated-batches. Altogether, the results point to C. littorale as a resilient and stable strain, with potential to be used under semi continuous cultivation. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.