Most studies of UV-mediated effects on fatty acids of microalga were conducted in indoor laboratories, using artificial light and UV radiation sources, which may have different spectral compositions and light intensities compared to outdoor ambient solar radiation.
Therefore, in the present study, a Scenedesmus rubescens-like alga which shows great potential as feedstock for biodiesel production (Lin and Lin, 2011) was exposed to solar PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation, 400–700 nm) with or without UV radiation (280–400 nm) in an outdoor raceway cultivation system (RCS) under high and low nitrogen concentrations to compare the rate of photosynthesis and growth, as well as fatty acid content and composition.