Growth rate and pigment contents of grown Dunaliella viridis microalgae in different levels of a fishmeal factory wastewater

The present study investigated the cultivation of Dunaliella viridis microalgae in the stickwater (SW) from the wastewater of fishmeal factories. For this purpose, Gillard culture medium (F/2) was used as a control treatment and five different levels of SW including 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100% were used. Then, these microalgae were cultured in 8-liter plastic containers for 14 days to evaluate the algal density and pigment contents (chlorophyll a and total carotenoids). The results of the present study showed that by increasing in the concentration of SW up to 75% the cell density was increased. In addition, the pigment contents were significantly affected by SW concentrations and the highest amount of chlorophyll a was observed at a concentration of 75% SW compared to other treatments (p<0.05). Also, the highest amount of carotenoids was recorded simultaneously in 75% and 50% SW treatments compared to other treatments (p<0.05). According to the obtained results, using SW at 75% is feasible to grow D. viridis microalgae.