Glossary
NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (of the United State of America)
Glossary
Nutraceuticals
A pharmaceutical alternative which claims physiological benefits. Astaxanthin in nature is produced from microalgae, and is known as a nutraceutical for its antioxidant properties. It is also the pigment that naturally bioaccumulates to give wild salmon their pinkish red colour.
Glossary
Mollusk
A group of invertebrate animals including the snail, bivalves and octopus, that are characterized by the presence of an internal or external calcium shell.
Glossary
Macronutrients
These are the major nutrients that algae require for growth. They are Nitrogen and Phosphorus, as well as Silica for diatoms only.
Glossary
Micron (µm)
One millionth of a meter (1 inch = 25,400 µm). 1 millimeter = 1000 microns.
Glossary
Microalgae
Are unicellular photosynthetic organisms. They are responsible for approximately ½ of the atmospheric oxygen, and make up the base of most marine food webs. There are 50,000 described species, but an estimated 200,000 - 800,000 total.
Glossary
Macroalgae
Multicellular seaweed you can see without a microscope. Often commonly referred to as kelp or seaweed
Glossary
Logarithmic growth phase
The period of growth where the population grows at an exponential rate.
Glossary
Light attenuation
The decrease in light available relative to distance from a source as a result of absorption and scattering of light energy due to particles (algal cells) in the water.
Glossary
In situ
In the original location. The bioreactor measures pH, density and temperature in-situ