Utilization of different nitrogen sources by cultures of Scenedesmus acuminatus

Abstract

Nitrogen was provided by different organic sources to promote S. acuminatus growth in the laboratory conditions and comparison was made with the culture unit where nitrogen was provided by inorganic source. Protease peptone and several aquatic plant species such as parrot feather (Myriophyllum), water lily (Nymphaea) and common cattail (Typha) were used as organic nitrogen sources. The average nitrogen concentration in the muds (0.36%) was lower than the nitrogen contents of the aquatic plants (1.21%, 1.53%, and 1.96% for Typha, Myriophyllum, and Nymphaea, respectively). Consequently, the mud produced the least growth of S. acuminatus with the average algal growth of 109 ± 1.52 x 104 individuals per ml. The mineralization rates of nitrogen from organic sources were adequate to support good S. acuminatus growth in cultures. The suitability of decaying plants as sources of nitrogen was generally greater in plants with higher nitrogen content. Nymphaea produced the best algal growth, while Typha and Myriophyllum supported little algal growth. Muds were poor nitrogen source for S. acuminatus and did not support the good algal growth.

Nitrogen was provided by different organic sources to promote S. acuminatus growth in the laboratory conditions and comparison was made with the culture unit where nitrogen was provided by inorganic source. Protease peptone and several aquatic plant species such as parrot feather (Myriophyllum), water lily (Nymphaea) and common cattail (Typha) were used as organic nitrogen sources. The average nitrogen concentration in the muds (0.36%) was lower than the nitrogen contents of the aquatic plants (1.21%, 1.53%, and 1.96% for Typha, Myriophyllum, and Nymphaea, respectively). Consequently, the mud produced the least growth of S. acuminatus with the average algal growth of 109 ± 1.52 x 104 individuals per ml. The mineralization rates of nitrogen from organic sources were adequate to support good S. acuminatus growth in cultures. The suitability of decaying plants as sources of nitrogen was generally greater in plants with higher nitrogen content. Nymphaea produced the best algal growth, while Typha and Myriophyllum supported little algal growth. Muds were poor nitrogen source for S. acuminatus and did not support the good algal growth.