LARGE-SCALE CHLORELLA CULTURE 69' 



reason to believe that this period could not be extended indefi- 

 nitely with the proper precautions and techniques. 



A considerable volume of data has been obtained concerning 

 the variables in the culture of Chlordla. All this information has 

 been or will be used in the determination of the most efficient 

 and economical process and plant for the large-scale culture of 

 Chlordla. 



Interpretation of Results 



In developing a process for the large-scale culture of Chlordla, 

 it is necessary first to consider the limitations as determined by 

 nature. Because solar radiation provides the energy, we are lim- 

 ited to the use of sunlight as received on the earth at the par- 

 ticular geographical location in question. This, of course, varies 

 with the time of day and year as well as with atmospheric condi- 

 tions. We are also limited by the mechanism of photosynthesis 

 and the physiology of the organism to be considered. Within 

 these limitations or parameters, a process must be developed 

 which will most efficiently produce organic matter using the 

 sun's energy. In other words, how can we most efficiently use 

 sunlight to synthesize organic matter? 



From a study of solar radiation and a study of the mechanism 

 of photosynthesis as it occurs in the organism of Chlordla, we 

 have developed a tentative process to attain this objective, I do not 

 have the space here to discuss the data and results that have con- 

 tributed to this design, but I will mention the more important 

 factors. 



Light 



Light from the sun supplies the energy for the conversion of 

 carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen to Chlordla. The inten- 

 sity of sunlight varies from time to time over a wide range so that 

 there is no one light condition to be studied in reference to 

 maximum conversion. It has been demonstrated (Myers and 

 Burr, 1940) that Chlordla exposed to light of high intensity will 

 grow rapidly at first, then at a diminishing rate until injury 

 takes place and death of the cell occurs. For a given culture the 



