Effect of different culture media on the cells growth of Isochrysis galbana, Tetraselmis suecica and Chaetoceros calcitrans

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal culture medium for the growth of Isochrysis galbana, Tetraselmis suecica and Chaetoceros calcitrans. These microalgae were cultured in three replicates using seven different culture media, including commonly used agricultural fertilizers in hatcheries. The study was conducted in 20 L polycarbonate aquariums, with 15 L of culture under standard experimental conditions of temperature, light intensity, photoperiod, and salinity. The performance of the microalgae was evaluated based on various parameters such as cell concentration, growth rate, division rate, doubling time, cell biovolume, and pH. The results showed that different culture media significantly affected (p < 0.05) the cell concentration of the microalgae. The culture medium based on Kw-21 liquid fertilizer produced the best cell concentrations for Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros calcitrans, while the culture medium based on CE fertilizer was the most suitable for Tetraselmis suecica. Other parameters were also significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the experimental factors, except for cell biovolume in Tetraselmis suecica at the stationary phase. The study suggests that using agricultural fertilizers is a viable and cost-effective alternative for mass production of microalgae.