3. Results and discussion
3.1. Algal characteristics and growth
The marine diatom Thalassiosira sp. isolated from waters in the
Java sea is a neritic planktonic species that belongs to the order
Centricae. Its cells are similar to those of Coscinodiscus, usually
drum or disc-shaped, joined in flexible chains by a cytoplasmic
or gelatinous thread. The microalgae was yellowish brown, had a
rectangular-like shape, and was able to form biosilica cell walls.
Cell size was approximately 10 lm in diameter during culture period
(smaller than its actual diameter size of 16–20 lm).