Effects of harvesting method and growth stage on the flocculation of the green alga Botryococcus braunii

• Published in: Letters in applied microbiology Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 14 - 18
• Main Authors: Lee, S.J, Kim, S.B, Kwon, G.S, Yoon, B.D, Oh, H.M, Kim, J.E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Edinburgh, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.07.1998; Blackwell Science
• Subjects: Algal culture (microalgae); bioenergy; Biological and medical sciences; Biological Sciences; Biotechnology; Botryococcus braunii; energy resources; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; natural resources; Algae; Botryococcus braunii; Harvesting; Environmental factor; Chlorophyceae; Aluminium Sulfates; Chlorophyta; Flocculation reagent; Flocculation; Microorganism culture; pH; Developmental stage; Comparative study; Thallophyta
• ISSN: 0266-8254; 1472-765X; 1365-2673
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1472-765x.1998.00375.x

Flocculating activity was determined to evaluate the effective harvesting method and an optimal growth stage for the recovery of the green alga Botryococcus braunii growing in batch cultures. Flocculating activity was highest at 2 weeks of incubation, regardless of harvesting methods. The degree of flocculation was different with harvesting methods and growth stages. A high pH value (pH 11) was more effective for flocculation than treatment with aluminium sulphate or a microbial flocculant, Pestan, until the third week of incubation. The lipid content of the algae on a dry weight basis was unaffected by harvesting methods. These results indicate that the most effective harvesting method is to adjust pH to 11 after 2 weeks of incubation.