ALTERATIONS IN FATTY-ACID COMPOSITION OF MARINE RED ALGA PORPHYRIDIUM-PURPUREUM BY ENVIRONMENTAL-FACTORS

The effects of culture temperature, illumination time, aeration and co ncentrations of NH4Cl, phosphorus and NaCl in the medium on population growth and fatty acid composition of P. purpureum which exhibited the highest productivity of EPA and AA among 84 strains of marine microal gae tested were investigated. It was observed that the level Of C20:5 is high and the levels Of C20:4 and C18 fatty acid groups are low unde r optimal growth conditions. The reverse phenomenon was observed under growth-limiting conditions. It was concluded that we should be able t o regulate and maintain high levels of EPA and/or AA by modifying this algal environment.