CHAPTER I
LITTERATURE REVIEW
29
3.10.1 Seeding
In a location without Spirulina, or to start with a new strain, begin with one gram of
concentrated Spirulina in one volume of culture. For larger volumes, multiply the initial seed
volume accordingly. Successive cultures are recommended. If the culture concentration is low,
provide shading and continuous agitation; otherwise, the Spirulina will clump together
(Jourdan et al., 1999).
3.10.2 Agitation
Agitation is necessary to ensure good cultivation, performed at least 2 to 4 times a day. It helps
homogenize the culture and ensures even light distribution among all Spirulina filaments.
Agitation enhances productivity in high-density cultures, evenly distributes CO2, and removes
inhibiting substances like oxygen (Dubey, 2006). It can be manual (using a broom) or electric
(using a pump or impeller). Continuous nocturnal agitation is beneficial for environmental selfpurification (Jourdan et al., 1999).
3.10.3 Shading
Shading is essential when the crop temperature is very low (<10°C) and light intensity is high,
to prevent Spirulina from being damaged by photolysis. Shading also makes the crop easier to
harvest and enhances the quality of the Spirulina (Danesi et al., 2004).
3.10.4 Harvesting
To maintain the concentration of Spirulina between 0.4 and 0.6 g/L, regular harvesting is
recommended. Without harvesting, the concentration will continue to increase until it reaches
a balance between photosynthesis and respiration. High concentrations for extended periods
can lead to cell death (Jourdan et al., 1999).
Harvesting techniques for Spirulina platensis typically involve a combination of methods such
as gravity sedimentation, filtration, and centrifugation. Due to the filamentous nature of
Spirulina, mechanical methods like centrifugation are often preferred for efficient biomass
recovery. Additionally, bioflocculation followed by gravity sedimentation has been suggested
as a cost-effective approach for harvesting Spirulina biomass, although considerations
regarding potential microbiological contaminations and the quality of the end product must be
taken into account (Barros et al., 2015).
LITTERATURE REVIEW
29
3.10.1 Seeding
In a location without Spirulina, or to start with a new strain, begin with one gram of
concentrated Spirulina in one volume of culture. For larger volumes, multiply the initial seed
volume accordingly. Successive cultures are recommended. If the culture concentration is low,
provide shading and continuous agitation; otherwise, the Spirulina will clump together
(Jourdan et al., 1999).
3.10.2 Agitation
Agitation is necessary to ensure good cultivation, performed at least 2 to 4 times a day. It helps
homogenize the culture and ensures even light distribution among all Spirulina filaments.
Agitation enhances productivity in high-density cultures, evenly distributes CO2, and removes
inhibiting substances like oxygen (Dubey, 2006). It can be manual (using a broom) or electric
(using a pump or impeller). Continuous nocturnal agitation is beneficial for environmental selfpurification (Jourdan et al., 1999).
3.10.3 Shading
Shading is essential when the crop temperature is very low (<10°C) and light intensity is high,
to prevent Spirulina from being damaged by photolysis. Shading also makes the crop easier to
harvest and enhances the quality of the Spirulina (Danesi et al., 2004).
3.10.4 Harvesting
To maintain the concentration of Spirulina between 0.4 and 0.6 g/L, regular harvesting is
recommended. Without harvesting, the concentration will continue to increase until it reaches
a balance between photosynthesis and respiration. High concentrations for extended periods
can lead to cell death (Jourdan et al., 1999).
Harvesting techniques for Spirulina platensis typically involve a combination of methods such
as gravity sedimentation, filtration, and centrifugation. Due to the filamentous nature of
Spirulina, mechanical methods like centrifugation are often preferred for efficient biomass
recovery. Additionally, bioflocculation followed by gravity sedimentation has been suggested
as a cost-effective approach for harvesting Spirulina biomass, although considerations
regarding potential microbiological contaminations and the quality of the end product must be
taken into account (Barros et al., 2015).