title: An investigation of a fertilizer-tap water medium for mass algal production in outdoor plastic-enclosed systems.
abstract: 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).
authors.affiliation: Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of the Orange Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Geldenhuys
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Walmsley
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Toerien