Comparison of growth and chemical composition of various Thai Arthrospira (Spirulina) strains

Abstract

The aim of this research was to compare growth, nutrition value, pigments, production cost and water quality of Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis cultured from various Thai strains. The CRD were applied; the experiment was set up in raceway ponds. There were three treatments, with 3 replication each: T₁Aspi.CMU1, T₂Aspi.MJU1 and T₃Aspi.MJU2. The data was collected every 3 days over a 15-day culture period. The results showed that: specific growth rate of T₁Aspi.CMU1 and carotenoid which was higher than other treatments. The dry weight protein was highest in strain T₃ Aspi.MJU2, 46.91±0.81% while T₂ Aspi.MJU1 had greater dry weight product, 0.35±0.05 g/l and product cost (309.69±38.36 baht/Kg). The water quality of A. platensis cultured in all experiments was not significant difference. It can be concluded that: T₂ Aspi.MJU1 strain is suitable for culture due to the most dry weight and the lowest cost of production.