Chemical Constituents of Zarrouk's Medium Affect Growth, Pigments and Metabolites Productions of Spirulina platensis

GROWTH (OD, Dw), pigments (chlorophyll a, carotenoids) and metabolites (proteins, carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids) were evaluated in different component concentrations of Zarrouk's medium (NaCl, NaNO3, K2HPO4 and K2SO4) as well as some heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Se). The normal concentration of the tested components in Zarrouk's medium (control) induced maximum growth parameters, pigments and metabolite contents. Acetone extracts of the normal concentrations (1.0g/L NaCl, 2.5g/L NaNO3, 0.5g/L K2HPO4 and 1g/L K2SO4) had the highest phenolic content. Ethanolic extracts of starved media (0.0g/L) of N or S, P (0.2g/L) as well as high salinity (4g/L) showed the greatest flavonoid production. Concerning heavy metals, Zn enhanced all the investigated parameters relative to the Cu, Se and control samples. In the absence of heavy metals, both acetone and ethanolic extracts revealed the greatest phenolic and flavonoid contents.