Any process wherein algae or other microorganisms such as  bacteria, yeast or fungi, are involved  cultivation is dependent on media providing nutrient and energy supplements. The growth and biochemical processes of these organisms is thus largely dependent on the media. To identify the optimal media, dosage or unwanted side-reactions metabolomics is regularly used to provide valuable information to facilitate boosting of production and reduction of costs. Problems occuring in a production environment can be solved rapidly following application of metabolite profiling and thus can minimize energy and time spent in troubleshooting.