Spirulina Production in Different Sources of Nitrogen

The Cyanobacteria Spirulina is an attractive target for its pigments, proteins, vitamins and other high-value cell components. Also, it can be easily and cheaply harvested by filtration from the cultivation medium. In this study a simple protocol was developed for Spirulina production by using different types of nitrogen in ammonium (Urea and (NH4)2SO4) and nitrate (KNO3, NaNO3) forms in combination with NPK fertilizer. Results demonstrated high amount of nitrogen in both forms inhibited Spirulina growth. Ammonium showed a stronger inhibitory role than nitrate in biomass production while increased phycocyanin content. Best phycocyanin content occurred in high ammonium or low nitrate concentration. In media based on 1% Urmia lake salt and 1g/L NPK, a combination of low concentration (0.1 -0.5g/L) of Urea and (NH4)2SO4 obtained best results in biomass production. 1.2g/L biomass during 14 days without any carbon source can be compared with Zarrouk/2 medium. This composition can be used economically for Spirulina production since little amount of cheap material make the possibility of Spirulina production.