Influence of Nutrients in Microalgae Cultivation by SEM and EDX Evaluation

Abstract

Microalgae have recently attracted a lot of attention on a global level because of their numerous application possibilities in the renewable energy, biopharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Microalgae can be exploited to make biofuels, bioactive medicines and food additives at a low cost and with no environmental harmful impact. The media’s nutritional content affects the development of microalgae. The role that macro- and micro-nutrients play in the cultivation of microalgae is also significant. For microalgae cultivation, a sample of river water was collected, BG11 and Bold Basal Media (BBM) synthetic media were prepared. Observations of microalgae growth were made after 15 days. On samples of raw water and microalgae grown in a lab, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were conducted. Raw water and microalgae sample structures were detailed by SEM results, and both samples’ chemical compositions were shown by EDX results. The cultivation of microalgae depends heavily on macro and micro nutrients. The growth of microalgae was accelerated in the presence of nutrients.