PRODUCCION MASIVA DE SCENEDESMUS INCRASSATULUS EN CONTENEDORES DESECHABLES DE POLIETILENO DE 8 Y 40 LITROS CON DIFERENTES MEDIOS DE CULTIVO

The green microalga Scenedesmus incrassatulus was grown in three culture media (Bold Basal, Bristol and one prepared by dilution of a commercial fertilizer for violets), in 8- and 40-liter polyethylene bags. Population growth was measured by assessing cell density, protein content and chlorophyll concentration. No significant differences were detected for the growth rates estimated for the cultures in Bold Basal and Bristol media, whereas the commercial fertilizer was not a good option for reducing the cost of culture medium and results were inconsistent, probably related with a low quality control in the fertilizer manufacturing. Besides, microalgae grown in the medium with fertilizer did not grow as coenobia, and showed a notably intracellular vacuolated aspect. In general, the best outcomes were obtained in the cultures carried out in 8-liter Bold Basal medium. From our results we conclude that it will be more convenient to culture S. incrassatulus in only one step (8 or 40 litres), because the produced biomass will have a better quality, and the chances of a significant bacterial contamination will be lower.