Observation of Spirulina platensis cultivation in a prototype household bubble column photobioreactor during 107 days

Abstract

Fresh Spirulina is more favorable than dried one, yet its ease of deterioration necessitates production of biomass that can be immediately consumed. We developed a prototype household photobioreactor and studied the semi-continuous cultivation and harvest conditions within 107 days. Three growth phases were observed featuring different growth rate and recovering time after harvest. Nutrients were consumed at rates of Fe > N > P > Mg > K. The pH mounted rapidly when below 9 and varied slowly between 9 and 10, whose variation positively correlated with that of biomass concentration. Bacterial load was at a constant level of about 2 × 104 CFU, indicating good sanitary condition. Harvesting efficiency improved with greater biomass and filtration sack mesh number until reaching 3.5 g·L−1 and 200, respectively. We hope this study can help the method development of fresh Spirulina cultivation in miniaturized systems.