Effects of microelements (Fe, Cu, Zn) on growth and pigment contents of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis

A laboratory experiment was conducted to assess the bioaccumulation of microelements Fe ۲+, Cu ۲+, Zn ۲+ and their effects on the growth and pigment contents of Spirulina platensis in Zarrouk’s media. The mentioned metals concentrations enhanced separately to tenfold of the Zarrouk’s content. The results indicated no differences in the dry weights for the different medias (p>۰.۰۵). A rapid increase in optical density values has been observed in tenfold of Cu+۲ concentration giving the maximum optical density values (۰.۴۹۸± ۰.۲۳۴ mg L-۱). In contrast, a gradual increase rate in the optical density has been observed at all concentration of treatments. Enrichment factor (EF) improved with increasing the metal concentration of treatments. The maximum EF value has been observed at ۱۳.۵۴ in Zn+۲ concentrations. At all concentrations, the maximum production of chlorophyll A (۱.۲۱۳±۰.۵۱۴ mg L-۱) occurred in ۷th day of incubation. The highest total carotenoid concentration was recorded in S. platensis treated with Cu+۲ (۰.۰۰۴۲± ۰.۰۰۰۴ mg L-۱) after ۱۴ days. The phycobiliproteins decreased in all of the treatments. Results suggested that S. platensis would be important part of in functional food developments.

Keywords:

Growth , Bioaccumulation , Microelements , Pigments , Spirulina platensis.