The Feasibility of industrial production of Spirulina (Arthrospira) in Southern Spain

The viability of the industrial production of three strains of Spirulina platensis was tested in Malaga, Southern Spain. In a pre-industrial trial using raceway ponds from laboratory-scale to 450 m(2), all three strains displayed satisfactory growth. In a 10-month industrial trial in 450 m(2) ponds, production was equivalent to 30-32 metric tons of dry powder per hectare per annum. In conclusion, intensive industrial production of Spirulina is viable in certain Mediterranean climates, a region previously thought to be outside its geographic limits. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.