An investigation of a fertilizer-tap water medium for mass algal production in outdoor plastic-enclosed systems.
The feasibility of using two fertilizers (urea plus superphosphate) in tap water as a medium for the mass culture of green algae (Scenedesmus and Ankistrodesmus) in outdoor plastic-enclosed minipond systems was investigated. Experiments in which the basic fertilizer-tap water medium was enriched with micro- and/or macronutrients revealed no nutrient deficiency symptoms in the algal biomass produced. Biomass production was found to be quantitatively related to the concentration of fertilizer added and maximal production (> 15 g/m(2) day) was achieved following the addition of 30 mg N/L (1.89 g N/m(2) day) and 4.5 mg P/L (0.28 g P/m(2)/day).
Geldenhuys
D J
DJ
Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of the Orange Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.
Walmsley
R D
RD
Toerien
D F
DF