CHAPTER III
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
52
Figure 65: initial seeding
The aim of this chapter is to present the results obtained from cultivating Spirulina, extracting
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in the form of crystals, relate them to our initial hypothesis,
discuss and demonstrate this microalga 's bioplastic potential, and finally harvesting and drying
the microalgae to create bioplastic films.
1 Cultivation
The cultivation experiments in this study have provided valuable insights into the growth and
adaptation of Spirulina platensis under controlled conditions. Starting from the initial seeding
in K marine medium to the ongoing maintenance in the aquarium setup, we observed consistent
and healthy growth. This success is primarily attributed to the careful management of key
environmental factors. We maintained a steady temperature of 30°C and adjusted the pH to
between 9 and 10 using NaOH or HCl. These conditions were crucial for creating an optimal
environment for Spirulina to thrive.
A key part of the cultivation experiment was transitioning to the LMK culture medium, which
allowed us to assess Spirulina's adaptability to different nutrient compositions. By introducing
LMK medium in various quantities while keeping conditions like pH and temperature
consistent, we could closely monitor growth responses and biomass productivity. Following
each transition, we observed sustained growth rates and the development of healthy
characteristics in the Spirulina cultures.
Based on visual examinations of spirulina cultivated in the LMK medium, it was observed that
spirulina exhibited superior growth compared to when cultivated in commercially purchased
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
52
Figure 65: initial seeding
The aim of this chapter is to present the results obtained from cultivating Spirulina, extracting
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) in the form of crystals, relate them to our initial hypothesis,
discuss and demonstrate this microalga 's bioplastic potential, and finally harvesting and drying
the microalgae to create bioplastic films.
1 Cultivation
The cultivation experiments in this study have provided valuable insights into the growth and
adaptation of Spirulina platensis under controlled conditions. Starting from the initial seeding
in K marine medium to the ongoing maintenance in the aquarium setup, we observed consistent
and healthy growth. This success is primarily attributed to the careful management of key
environmental factors. We maintained a steady temperature of 30°C and adjusted the pH to
between 9 and 10 using NaOH or HCl. These conditions were crucial for creating an optimal
environment for Spirulina to thrive.
A key part of the cultivation experiment was transitioning to the LMK culture medium, which
allowed us to assess Spirulina's adaptability to different nutrient compositions. By introducing
LMK medium in various quantities while keeping conditions like pH and temperature
consistent, we could closely monitor growth responses and biomass productivity. Following
each transition, we observed sustained growth rates and the development of healthy
characteristics in the Spirulina cultures.
Based on visual examinations of spirulina cultivated in the LMK medium, it was observed that
spirulina exhibited superior growth compared to when cultivated in commercially purchased