Vegetos

Abstract

Outdoor mass cultivation of Spirulina platensis was put into operation at Halvad Taluka of Saurashtra (Gujarat) to generate income for earthquake affected women of the area. The adverse seasonal variations were controlled by using locally available appliances, which led to the productions of 9.55 g/m²/d biomass on an average during the year, along with chla 0.900 to 1.50% carotenoids 0.180 to 0.268%, phycobilins 7.70 to 9.70%. Lipid contents ranged between 5.70 to 6.90%, carbohydrates as 14.10 to 16.70%. Proteins were as high as 62.80% from 58.30% with amino acids 0.750 to 0.950%. The alga contained 0.99–1.28% DNA and 2.02–2.3% RNA. The electrolytes i.e. calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium along with iron were present in their optional range.