USE OF DIFFERENT NITROGEN-SOURCES IN THE PRODUCTION OF BIOMASS OF OSCILLATORIA-LIMNETICA

Analysis of the production of biomass and the total protein concentration obtained with the cyanobacteria Oscillatoria limnetica was undertaken, employing synthetic media and three different nitrogen sources. The selected substances were potassium nitrate, urea and ammonium chloride, in five concentrations for each nutrient. The best yield of biomass corresponded to the mixture containing 2.57 g/l of KNO3. Nevertheless, with a reduction of salt, to 1,0 g/L, almost as good results of biomass could be observed, as well as with urea and ammonium in low proportions. Protein concentrations were distributed in the range of 30.3-82.7%. It is concluded that satisfactory rates of biomass and protein can be reached with economical amounts of potassium nitrate, or with low concentrations of urea and ammonium salt, at more favorable cost.