English

Abstract

The prospects for using Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MLE) supplemented with different concentrations of kanwa or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as a low-cost alternative growth medium of Spirulina platensis were evaluated in a small-scale outdoor cultivation system. The present study was aimed to evaluate the potential of MLE growth medium enriched with different concentrations (4 or 8 g L-1) of kanwa and NaHCO3 on growth, chlorophyll content, biochemical characteristics, antioxidant compounds and some physico-chemical factors. Jourdan’s standard medium was taken as control. The results showed that the growth parameters such as cell population, biomass dry weight, cell productivity and specific growth rate were positively affected in MLE cultivation medium enriched with kanwa or NaHCO3 at different concentration levels. The addition of urea, kanwa or NaHCO3 in MLE cultivation medium at different concentration levels increased significantly (p< 0.05) the protein content, the peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity, the conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids and salinity from 20 to 25 days of cultivation whereas a decrease in carbohydrate and phenol content was recorded during all the period of the experimentation. The highest values of growth parameters were notably in MLE medium supplemented with urea and kanwa at 8 g L-1. The MLE medium enriched with urea and kanwa at 8 g L-1 was shown to be an appropriate growth medium that can be used as a low-cost alternative growth medium for commercial cultivation of S. platensis.   Key words: Antioxidant compounds, biochemical traits, growth, Moringa oleifera leaves extract, physico-chemical factors, Spirulina platensis.