1Department of Botany, Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
2Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
*Corresponding author: gokulamshyam01@gmail.com
Online published on 27 September, 2018.
Nannochloropsis salina is a free living unicellular marine microalga. The present study analyse the influence of salinity and pH on the growth and biochemical composition of this microalga. The alga could tolerate a wide range of salinities. Maximum growth rate and production of chlorophyll, carotenoids and protein was noted in cultures with 40ppt salinity. Cultures with a salinity of 50ppt recorded maximum carbohydrate and lipid production. However, the organism could not tolerate low salinity levels as no growth was observed at zero and 10ppt salinity. The optimum pH required for the maximum production of biochemicals varied considerably. While maximum growth rate and Chl a production were noted at pH 9, carotenoid production was more in cultures with pH 6. Production of protein and carbohydrate was high at pH 10, and lipid at pH 7.
Effect of salinity and pH on growth and biochemical composition of microalgae.
Nannochloropsis salina, Microalgae, salinity, pH
