Co-Producing Phycocyanin and Bioplastic in Arthrospira platensis Using Carbon-Rich Wastewater

Microalgae can treat waste streams containing elevated levels of organic carbon and nitrogen. This process be economically attractive if high value products are created simultaneously from the relatively low-cost stream. Co-production two microalgal products, phycocyanin polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), was investigated using non-axenic Arthrospira platensis MUR126 supplemental (acetate, oxalate, glycerol combinations). All supplemented cultures had higher biomass yield (g/L) than photoautotrophic control. produced PHB (3.6–7.8% w/w), except control those fed oxalate. Supplemented showed a to three-fold increase in content over eight-day cultivation. Results indicate co-production is possible A. platensis, mixed-waste carbon. However, supplementation resulted growth extremophile bacteria, particularly glycerol, this negative impact on culture health. Refinement dosing rate required minimise impacts native bacterial contamination.