title: Production of biomass by Spirulina maxima using sugar beet vinasse in growth media.
abstract: Cultivation of Spirulina maxima in media containing vinasse from beet molasses fermentation has been studied in both batch cultures and a photobioreactor. The results obtained in batch tests showed that S. maxima was able to grow in Schlösser media containing up to 5 g/L of vinasse or alkaline diluted vinasse (5 g/L). Biomass concentrations ranging from 3.5 and 4.8 g/L, productivities from 0.15 to 0.24 (g/L d) and specific growth rates about 0.1 d⁻¹ were found. Betaine, an organic nitrogenous compound present in vinasse, was completely consumed. The continuous operation in a tubular photobioreactor with Schlösser medium supplemented with 2g/L of vinasse led to S. maxima concentrations about 8 g/L and productivities of 0.7 g/L d for an hydraulic retention time of 11 d using a light intensity of 3000 lux, slightly higher than those achieved with Schlösser medium, showing that the addition of vinasse presents a positive effect on the growth of the microalgae.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, C/Doctor Mergelina s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
authors.forename: Víctor M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Barrocal
authors.forename: M Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: García-Cubero
authors.forename: Gerardo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: González-Benito
authors.forename: Mónica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coca
mesh_terms: D027461:Beta vulgaris / Q000737:chemistry*; D018533:Biomass; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry*; D005285:Fermentation; D058433:Photobioreactors; D053545:Spirulina / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media