Mass Production of purified pigments from some algae species

Abstract

Algae are found everywhere around us. In fact just about everywhere where there is a light to carry out photosynthesis. Algae grow in almost any aquatic environment and use light and carbon dioxide (CO2) to create biomass. Algae are not only a source of protein but also of other valuable materials such as fats, carbohydrates and pigments. This investigation was conducted aiming at the mass production of purified pigments of Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina platensis and Nannochloropsis oculata. Chlorella vulgaris, Spirulina platensis and Nannochloropsis oculata were cultivated at indoor and outdoor conditions.

For indoor cultivation: Incubation the used algae under BG-II medium conditions. After cultivation period (19 days) of Chlorella vulgaris, the results showed that the dry weight was (0.92 g.l-1), degree of multiplication (1.93) and doubling time (0.99). Total chlorophyll content was (18.2 mg.l-1) with degree of multiplication (1.85) and doubling time (10.35). While, total carotene was (12.69 mg.l-1) with degree of multiplication (2.38) and doubling time (7.7). After cultivation period (12 days) of Spirulina platensis, the results showed that the dry weight was (1.44 g.l-1), degree of multiplication (2.26) and doubling time (3.47). Total chlorophyll content was (1.12 mg.l-1) with degree of multiplication (1.03) and doubling time (11.75). While, total carotene was (2.4 mg.l-1) with degree of multiplication (0.88) and doubling time (13.59). After cultivation period (13 days) of Nannochloropsis oculata, the results showed that the dry weight was(0.5g.l-1), degree of multiplication (4.64) and doubling time (2.77). Total chlorophyll content was (2.38 mgL-1) with degree of multiplication (2.28) and doubling time (5.78). While, total carotene was (0.85 mgL-1) with degree of multiplication (1.09) and doubling time (11.55). From the previous results Spirulina platensis surpasses all other used algae in dry weight.

While in the outdoor cultivation, three units were used as follows: 1- Open plate photobioreactor: 1000L open plate was used for growth of Chlorella vulgaris. Cultivation was performed for 14 days and after that dry weight was in the 14th day (3.26 g.l-1) with degree of multiplication (3.35) and doubling time (4.33). Total chlorophyll was (31.35 mg.l-1) at the same day with degree of multiplication (2.3) and doubling time (6.86). But, total carotene was (32.87 mg.l-1) in the 14th day also with degree of multiplication (1.26) and doubling time (11.55).

2- Open pond: 15000L open pond was used for growth of Spirulina platensis. After 10 days of cultivation, dry weight was (1.09 g.l-1) with degree of multiplication (5.62) and doubling time (4.95). Total chlorophyll was (4.79 mg.l-1) at the same day with degree of multiplication (0.41) and doubling time (9.67). But, total carotene was (1.4 mg.l-1) in the end of cultivation period with degree of multiplication (0.61) and doubling time (6.66). 3- Zigzag shape photobioreact