Evaluation Of Growth Efficiency And Biochemical Composition Of Spirulina Platensis Growing On Conventional/Modifying Culture Media

Abstract

The first aim of this study was to evaluate growth efficiency of Spirulina platensis growing on conventional/modifying culture media. The second aim was to elucidate the influence of different nutrient components of both conventional and modifying media on biochemical composition of S.platensis. Spirulina cultivation requires oxygen supply and appropriate light intensity for increased biomass production, cell productivity, specific growth rate, and biochemical contents. Zarrouk medium (ZK) was used as standard and modified media was prepared by changing the nitrogen and carbon source. Glucose (C6H12O6) and Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3) were added in order to replace the carbon and nitrogen source respectively. The alga was grown for 14 days at 25 ± 2 oC and pH 9. The growth efficiency was evaluated based on Biomass X, Cell Productivity Px, Specific Growth Rate µ and Chlorophyll concentration. Significant differences between ZK and Modified media in the growth parameters were observed. The results indicated that S. platensis could utilize glucose most efficiently and that growth was enhanced giving maximum average biomass at 0.674 g.L-1. The maximum average chlorophyll content yield (17.788 ± 1.998 mg.L-1) were recorded using Modified medium 1. There were no differences in specific growth rate, doubling time and productivity of Spirulina cultured in Zarrouk and modified media. The results indicated that the modified media with glucose added could be an economical way for large scale Spirulina mass production with similar performance to the standard medium, Zarrouk medium.