Effect of organic carbon sources on the growth of Chaetoceros muelleri

Abstract

Abstract Bait microalgae are essential for the successful cultivation of shellfish on a large scale. However, during periods of low light such as winter or rainy days, the production of microalgae is often limited due to the unavailability of affordable, reliable, and efficient carbon sources. Therefore, in this study, Chaetoceros muelleri, a favorite of shellfish, was chosen as the experimental algal strain for this investigation, and different concentrations of organic carbon sources were added to the F/2 medium for pure cultivation experiments of Chaetoceros muelleri. When 0.5 g L− 1 acetic acid, 0.5 g L− 1 citric acid, and 0.3 g L− 1 succinic acid were added, the algal cell density of Chaetoceros muelleri was 2.10, 2.07, and 1.67 times greater than that of the control group, according to the single-factor experiment's findings. The response surface optimization study showed that when acetic acid 0.599 g L− 1, citric acid 0.492 g L− 1, and succinic acid 0.208 g/L, the algal cell density was 1.41×107 CFU mL− 1, which was 1.15 times that of single acetic acid culture (1.23×107 CFU mL− 1) and 3.28 times that of single glucose culture (0.43×107 CFU mL− 1). Thus, acetic acid is more effective in promoting the growth of Chaetoceros muelleri compared to glucose or other organic acids. Furthermore, a combination of acetic acid and other organic acids proves to be even more advantageous. This finding is significant in the quest for suitable organic carbon sources to increase Chaetoceros muelleri production.