BACKGROUNDThe kinetic parameters of a model culture of Scenedesmus quadricauda were assessed under low light irradiation conditions. A simple and reliable method was developed for the kinetic characterization, which avoided CO2 mass transfer limitations and allowed the retrieval of accurate kinetic data. Biomass and oxygen yields were also assessed. RESULTSA maximum specific CO2 uptake rate of 0.0150.002 gCO(2) g(-1)VS h(-1) and half-saturation constant of 91 +/- 13 gCO(2) m(Liq)(-3) were determined for S. quadricauda at a light intensity of 30 mu mol m(-2)s(-1) at 25 degrees C. The biomass and oxygen yields ranged from 0.045-0.137g VS g(-1)CO(2) and 0.211-0.505 gO(2) g(-1)CO(2), respectively, both parameters being dependent on the initial CO2 concentration used. CONCLUSIONA simple and reliable methodology for the kinetic characterization of microalgal cultures was developed and tested. It was demonstrated that the maximum specific CO2 uptake rate of S. quadricauda at 30 mu mol m(-2)s(-1) was higher than previous values reported for Scenedesmus cultures exposed to light intensities up to 4.5 times higher but limited by CO2 mass transfer. The methodology and results obtained are useful for determining whether or not to implement a given microalgal-based process under low irradiance conditions. (c) 2017 Society of Chemical Industry