Nutrients assessment of anaerobic palm oil mill effeluent (AnPOME) as an alternative media for microalgae culture

Abstract

The main aim of the present study is to investigate the availability of macronutrient and micronutrient in AnPOME. All collected samples were analyzed using HACH method. The results reveal that the C/N and N/P ratio of the AnPOME is six times more than the theoretical value. Concentration of micronutrients also shown higher concentration range compared to that of the Bold Basal Medium (BBM). However, the concentration of phosphorus in AnPOME six times lower than nitrogen indicates that phosphorus limitation in AnPOME. Hence, this finding suggested the best microalgae to be grown in AnPOME is mixotrophic or heterotrophic mode. Overall, reuse of AnPOME replacing synthetic growth is highly recommended considering that enough composition of macronutrient and micronutrient in AnPOME and inexpensive alternative to synthetic media.