Growth of Spirulina platensis in Effluents from Wastewater Treatment Plant of Pig Farm

Spirulina platensis NIES 39 was grown in effluents from a wastewater treatment plant utilizing activated sludge process at a pig farm to reduce pollutants and to produce feed resources. The addition of 2 g/l NaCl was required for the growth of S. platensis in the effluents with about 100 mg/l ammonia nitrogen concentration. The growth was stimulated by the addition of 2 g/l sodium bicarbonate and 4 mg/l ferrous sulfate. The microorganism grew well at pH 8~11, and the optimum pH for the growth was 10. The algal concentration of 1.1 g/l was attained after 8 days of growth at the optimum condition with the removal of 95% ammonia nitrogen and 34% phosphorus.