Glowing green algae in cobalt blue liquid

Unlocking the Secrets of Chlorophyll: How Cobalt Could Revolutionize Algae Growth

Avery Sinclair in Science & Nature August 2025 • 3 min read.

"Could a trace element be the key to boosting chlorophyll production in algae?"

Microalgae are increasingly recognized for their potential in various applications, ranging from biofuel production to carbon capture. Central to their utility is chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis. Optimizing chlorophyll production is crucial for enhancing algal biomass and overall efficiency.

Researchers have long sought ways to boost chlorophyll levels in microalgae. While factors like light and nutrients are well-known, the role of trace elements is often overlooked. Among these, cobalt has emerged as a potential game-changer.

A new study published in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series sheds light on how cobalt influences chlorophyll a concentration in Nannochloropsis salina, a common microalgae species. This article dives into the findings, exploring the implications for sustainable algae cultivation.

The Cobalt Connection: How Does it Work?

Glowing green algae in cobalt blue liquid

The study, conducted by researchers at Hasanuddin University and the Research Institute for Coastal Aquaculture, focused on the impact of cobalt (Co2+) on Nannochloropsis salina growth in a controlled Conwy medium. They manipulated cobalt concentrations and salinity levels to observe the effects on chlorophyll a production.

The researchers cultivated N. salina in environments with varying salinity (5% and 25%) and cobalt concentrations (2, 4, and 8 ppm). They tracked the algal growth daily using a haemocytometer and measured chlorophyll a concentration using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results revealed some intriguing insights:

Low Cobalt Boost: At low concentrations (2 ppm), cobalt significantly increased chlorophyll a levels.
High Cobalt Inhibition: Higher concentrations (4 and 8 ppm) led to a decrease in chlorophyll a.
Salinity Matters: The effects of cobalt varied depending on the salinity of the medium.
Growth Dynamics: Cobalt exposure influenced the overall growth rate of N. salina.

The study suggests that cobalt, at low concentrations, acts as a micronutrient that speeds up chlorophyll biosynthesis. Cobalt is essential for synthesizing vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is vital for microalgae growth. However, high cobalt levels can inhibit chlorophyll production by interfering with magnesium insertion into the protoporphyrin ring, a critical step in chlorophyll synthesis.

Future Horizons: Cobalt's Role in Sustainable Algae Production

This research opens doors for optimizing algae cultivation by carefully managing cobalt levels. While more studies are needed to fine-tune the ideal concentrations for different algae species and environmental conditions, the potential benefits are clear. By unlocking the secrets of trace elements like cobalt, we can pave the way for more efficient and sustainable algae production, contributing to a greener future.

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Everything You Need To Know

How does cobalt concentration affect chlorophyll levels in Nannochloropsis salina?

The study indicates that low concentrations of cobalt (2 ppm) significantly increased chlorophyll a levels in Nannochloropsis salina. This suggests that cobalt at low concentrations can act as a micronutrient that speeds up chlorophyll biosynthesis. Cobalt is essential for synthesizing vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is vital for microalgae growth.

Why do high levels of cobalt inhibit chlorophyll production in Nannochloropsis salina?

Higher concentrations of cobalt (4 and 8 ppm) led to a decrease in chlorophyll a levels in Nannochloropsis salina. This suggests that high cobalt levels can inhibit chlorophyll production by interfering with magnesium insertion into the protoporphyrin ring, a critical step in chlorophyll synthesis.

How does salinity influence the effects of cobalt on chlorophyll a production in Nannochloropsis salina?

The research demonstrated that the impact of cobalt on Nannochloropsis salina varied depending on the salinity of the medium. This suggests that environmental conditions play a crucial role in how cobalt influences chlorophyll a production. Understanding these interactions is essential for optimizing algae cultivation in different environments. The researchers cultivated N. salina in environments with varying salinity (5% and 25%) and cobalt concentrations (2, 4, and 8 ppm).

What are the potential implications of this cobalt research for sustainable algae production using Nannochloropsis salina?

This research, conducted by researchers at Hasanuddin University and the Research Institute for Coastal Aquaculture, could revolutionize algae cultivation by carefully managing cobalt levels to optimize chlorophyll a production in Nannochloropsis salina. This can lead to more efficient and sustainable algae production, contributing to various applications, including biofuel production and carbon capture. More studies are needed to fine-tune the ideal cobalt concentrations for different algae species and environmental conditions to maximize these benefits.

Why is optimizing chlorophyll production important in microalgae such as Nannochloropsis salina?

Chlorophyll is vital because it is the pigment responsible for photosynthesis in microalgae like Nannochloropsis salina. Optimizing chlorophyll production is crucial for enhancing algal biomass and overall efficiency. More chlorophyll means more effective photosynthesis, which translates to faster growth and greater productivity for algae-based applications. The article explores how cobalt influences chlorophyll levels in Nannochloropsis salina, paving the way for enhanced algal biomass and sustainable applications.