and S2). Biomass loss over the dark period for individual phytoplankters
under variable night conditions represents a relatively poorly explored
aspect of primary photosynthetic physiology. If algal biomass productivity
is to be maximized, biomass losses at night should be minimized.
Minimizing night biomass losses from a biological standpoint can involve
either adjusting cultivation techniques to suit the alga of interest
(optimumaverage light intensity, medium mixing/aeration, or temperature)
or screening productive strains of algae for a more detailed understanding
of biomass loss rates under variable conditions. Assuming
a constant biomass loss for algae across species or strains is inappropriate
for estimating or predictively modeling biomass productivity in
dynamic environments. To improve predictive model accuracy and
maximize algal biomass productivity, characterization of night biomass
loss is essential