Growth evaluation and bioproducts characterization of Calothrix sp.

The cyanobacterium Calothrix sp., isolated from a rice field, is able to produce and accumulate significant amounts of bioproducts, when cultured under the proper conditions. In the present study, Calothrix sp. was cultured in disposable polyethylene containers, and was grown under controlled conditions of light, air supply and temperature, in BG-11 culture medium, applying variations to the nitrogen content of the medium. Population growth was assessed as increases in chlorophyll a and protein; in addition, the pigments (phycocyanin and p-carotene) and fatty acid productions were assesed. Results were compared with those for other cyanobacteria and microalgae, and it was concluded that the strain of Calothrix sp. tested has advantages over other cyanobacteria. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.