Review of Spirulina/Arthrospira Growth Medium Modifications

Abstract

Nutrients and their content in growth medium significantly affect the growth rate and quality of biomass. This review summaries the latest studies on microalgae Arthrospira spp. and Spirulina spp. growth media. Most of studied growth media are modified Zarrouk’s medium. Detailly discussed are effects of change in some microelement concentration and sources and salinity or NaCl concentration, however there are still lacking studies on microelement role and long-term studies. It should be highlighted that various species and strains of Arthrospira and Spirulina reacts to growth media composition change very differently. There is no single best growth media formulae for all species and strains of Arthrospira/Spirulina. Recycling for few times is possible but content of biomass changes.