Influence of aeration and lighting on biomass production and protein biosynthesis in a Spirulina sp. isolated from an oil-polluted brackish water marsh in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The influence aeration and light intensity could have on biomass production and protein biosynthesis in a Spirulina sp. isolated from an oil-polluted brackish water marsh is examined. Biomass, proximal composition and amino acid composition obtained from aerated cultures of the organism were compared with non-aerated cultures after a 35 days incubation period. Cultures of the organism were also grown in ordinary sunlight, and artificial light intensities of ca.7.5 and 15 µ µ µ µEm. Results showed that both aeration and exposing the cultures of the organism to artificial illumination improved biomass production and protein biosynthesis in the Spirulina sp. compared to sunlight illuminated and non aerated cultures. These results would be useful in optimizing growth conditions for maximum biomass and protein yields from the organism.

Evaluation of Banana Stem Ash Extract as a Low- Cost Culture Medium on the Growth and Pigmentation of Spirulina platensis

“…The carbonate was excreted into the medium, and therefore, the pH of the system was increased due to the shift of the bicarbonate-carbonate equilibrium towards the carbonate (Rangel-Yagui et al, 2004). During the culture period, dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 4.21±0.15mg/ L to 4.42±0.06mg/ L. The best DO level for S. platensis culture is 3.5mg/ L to 4.5mg/ L (Ogbonda et al, 2007b). In the present experiment, since artificial aeration was continuously provided, maintaining the optimum dissolved oxygen level was never a limiting factor.…”