Optimization of Biomass Production of Spirulina maxima

Spirulina maxima is known to be useful to man in virtually all aspects of life including health, food and cosmetics. In the present study, we set out to investigate how a combination of a set of parameters, namely temperature, light intensity, pH and agitation, affect maximum production of biomass, chlorophyll a and protein. Through manipulating environmental condition of the algal growth, one can modify the biomass production. In the present investigation the production of Spirulina maxima was optimized in terms of biomass and metabolites. The dry weight of Spirulina maxima was 0.73g/500ml and protein and Chlorophyll a content were 63.8% and 13.1mg/gm respectively at pH 9. At 5 Klux light intensity the dry weight of Spirulina maxima was 0.72g/500ml while protein content and Chlorophyll a were 64.2% and 9.5mg/gm respectively. Aeration is also very important factor for production of Spirulina. Continuous mixing of the culture medium is required to prevent cell sinking and thermal stratification to maintain the even nutrient distribution and to remove excess oxygen. In terms of aeration and