How much oxygen can 1 lb of algae growth produce?

• A. 0.16 lb
• B. 16 lb
• C. 3.2 lb
• D. 1.6 lb

Answer: (D)

Oxygen is released during photosynthesis as algae convert light energy into biomass. In wastewater practice, a practical rule of thumb is that 1 pound of algal biomass can produce about 1.6 pounds of oxygen per day under good light and nutrient conditions. That’s why 1.6 pounds is the best match for how much oxygen 1 pound of algae growth can generate. The other numbers don’t align with typical daylight photosynthesis yields: 0.16 lb is too small, 16 lb is unrealistically high for daily production, and 3.2 lb is about double the standard estimate. Real production varies with light, CO2, temperature, and species, and oxygen production mainly occurs in daylight.