Optimizing the growth of Spirulina platensis in the enriched water of the Persian Gulf

Abstract

Background: The use of Spirulina platensis has been expanded in various fields. The main goal of this research is to optimize the growth conditions of this microalgae to reduce costs and increase the benefits of its mass production in seawater. It is also feasible to lessen environmental pollution by producing more spirulina by discovering the best growing conditions for it through the enrichment of Persian Gulf water. Methods: First, the growth conditions of Spirulina platensis were optimized based on three factors: temperature, light, and pH. The temperature factor included four treatments, the light factor included four treatments, and the PH factor included five treatments. Also, Spirulina platensis microalgae were cultured in optimal growth conditions in Persian Gulf water, seawater enriched with 5% Zarrouk, 10% Zarrouk, with urea, and pure Zarrouk culture medium. Findings: The best temperature range for the growth of Spirulina platensis was 27–32 degrees Celsius. Also, the best growth was achieved in 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness; for the PH factor, the most appropriate value was determined between 10.72 and 11.47. Also, in the cultivation of Spirulina platensis, optimal conditions for the growth of Spirulina microalgae were obtained in the medium of Zarrouk, urea, 10% Zarrouk, 5% Zarrouk, and seawater, respectively. Conclusion: Therefore, the growth of Spirulina platensis in Persian Gulf water is slow and shows little performance, and by enriching this water with the mentioned factors, the microalgae enter the logarithmic phase faster and show better performance.

Keywords

• spirulina platensis
• seawater
• culture media
• environment
• biodegradation