Development of experimental production of algal biomass: case of Dunaliela salina of Arzew's Salines (Western Algeria)

Abstract

B. Doukani, M.A. Bouzidi and A. Kerfouf*

This present work dealing with the study of the growth of a microalgae of economic interest, which proliferates in the salines of Arzew in western Algeria. Dunaliella salina is a microalgae endemic to these salty environments. Samples were collected and maintained as a pure culture of isolated Dunaliela salina. The aim of this study, is to establish a first reference state of the environments of the Salines of Arzew, and to find the best conditions for the development of this microalgae under experimental conditions. Two main ecological parameters (light and salinity) that influence the production of its biomass are studied. The site renowned for its richness in crustaceans of the genus Artemia salina and an important algal biomass, receives a large population of greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus. The water's salinity at the sampling site was 188 gr/l. The chlorophyll concentration and cell density were greater than 110 μg/l, and 2 × 106 cells/l respectively. The experimental results obtained demonstrated that the light intensity (18,000 lux) is the most influential parameter, followed by the number of days of algal culture. A cell concentration of 5.29 × 106 cells/l, is noted after 20 days of culture.

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