3.4. Optimization of lipids accumulation and productivity in
shallow ponds in Fortaleza simulated-climate
Although we demonstrated in this study a high level of lipids
accumulation at 46% (w/w) at the 7th day of culture,
the highest productivity was observed from day 3 to 5, at a lipids
content in the biomass from 20% to 35% (w/w), respectively. Thus, a
harvesting time around the 5th day, at twice the time
for maximum biomass productivity, would be recommended for lipids as the
main target product, because accumulation in the biomass could provide
an advantage for product recovery [35]. However,
if other co-products (carbohydrates and/or proteins) could be isolated
in a biomass biorefinery [15,20], it is possible
that an earlier biomass collection could be more advantageous.