Alternative, non-food based biomass fuel feedstock development is vital for our national security, economy
and the environment. Microalgae are among the most promising of these alternatives. Microalgal
cell growth rates and metabolic products are affected by a combination of environmental parameters.
In this work, the influences of light source, light intensity, CO2 concentration, and photoperiod on the
growth of Dunaliella tertiolecta (D. tertiolecta) were studied. The effects of these environmental parameters
on the lipid content and fatty acid composition of D. tertiolecta were also investigated. Red lightemitting
diodes (LEDs), white LEDs, and fluorescent lights were all found to be effective for algal growth.
Increasing light intensity resulted in significantly more rapid algal growth, and increasing the period of
light also significantly increased biomass productivity. Similar growth rates were observed for 2%, 4%, and
6% CO2-concentrations. The different light sources and intensities were found to have no significant effect
on FAME composition of D. tertiolecta. Methyl linolenate and methyl palmitate were found to be the
major components of FAME produced from D. tertiolecta oil. D. tertiolecta and its derived oils should be
a suitable feedstock for biofuel production.