Abstract
Spirulina (Arthrospira) are cyanobacteria with high potential to use waste as a substrate for conversion into products such as biofuels and biopolymers. This study aims to investigate the alternative application of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) extraction wastes from cyanobacterial biomass in the cultivation of Spirulina sp. LEB 18. Cultures were prepared with the addition of waste at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% (v/v) in Zarrouk medium. The experimental cultures were compared to the control culture (without the addition of waste). The waste was exposed to three conditions: no treatment, thermal treatment at 121°C for 15 min, and chemical neutralization by sodium thiosulfate. The maximum biomass concentrations achieved by the cultures on the control, with no treatment, with thermal treatment and with neutralized waste, were 1.15 g/L (0% waste), 0.96 g/L (8% waste), 1.2 g/L (6% waste), and 1.12 g/L (10% waste), respectively. The yield values obtained on the control, with no treatment, with thermal treatment, and with chemical neutralization were 0.07, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.08 g/L/d, respectively. These results show the usability of this waste in Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivation. The application of this waste reduces the disposal of waste in the environment.
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