Sources of inorganic fertilizer in the growth of Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow (Chlorophyceae)

The influence of inorganic fertilizer media at different concentrations on the growth and biochemical composition of Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae was evaluated. Microalgae were placed in a bath culture with inorganic fertilizer (NPK) medium and WC medium during 28 days, Growth and biological aspects of microalgae between the media were compared. Mineral concentrations affected the physiological and growth rate of H. pluvialis, and the balance of nitrogen and phosphorus concentration favored higher algal biomass. High concentration of protein occurred when concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus occurred in cultures NPK 20:5:20 and NPK 4:14:8. Amino acid profile were significantly higher (p<0.05) in culture media based on inorganic fertilizer when compared to that in commercial medium (WC). High cell density (4.6 x 10 5 cells.mL -1 ) was obtained in NPK 10:10:10 and in WC medium (3.2 x 10 5 cells.mL -1 ) after 16 days cultivation. Media inorganic fertilizer (NPK) was adequate and may replace the commercial medium WC for the cultivation of microalgae H. pluvialis, with high nutritional value and biomass concentration.