Optimization study of biomass and astaxanthin production by Haematococcus pluvialis under minkery wastewater cultures

Abstract

Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) is a green freshwater microalgae species, well known for its ability for astaxanthin accumulation. In this study, minkery wastewater (MW) was used as nutrient resource for the cultivation of H. pluvialis, which was able to achieve an energy and cost-efficient production strategy. The findings indicated that H. pluvialis grew well in diluted MW. The maximum biomass and astaxanthin production was obtained in 1.5% MW cultures with successful removal of nitrogen, yielding at 906.33 ±34.0 mg/L and 39.72±1.69 mg/L, respectively. Acetate and NaCl were introduced as stress factors to improve the astaxanthin production. Response surface methodology found the optimal combination of stress factors for yield, consequently, resultant astaxanthin content can reach 67.95 ± 3.93 mg/L after 12-day induction period. These findings confirmed the potential use of MW in Haematococcus cultures for both biomass and astaxanthin production as compared to conventional culture medium.