Cell growth kinetics of Chlorella sorokiniana and nutritional values of its biomass

The present study investigates the effects of different physico-chemical parameters for the growth of Chlorella sorokiniana and subsequently determination of nutritional values of its biomass. Most suitable temperature, light intensity, pH, and acetic acid concentration were 30 degrees C, 100 mu mol m(-2) s(-1), pH 7.5, and 34.8 mM, respectively for the growth of this microorganism. Arrhenius growth activation energy, E-a was calculated as 7.08 kJ mol(-1). Monod kinetics constants: maximum specific growth rate (mu max) and substrate (acetic acid) affinity coefficient (K-s) were determined as 0.1 +/- 0.01 h(-1) and 76 +/- 8 mg L-1, respectively. Stoichiometric analysis revealed the capture of 1.83 g CO2 and release of 1.9 g O-2 for 1 g algal biomass synthesis. Algal biomass of C. sorokiniana was found rich in protein and several important minerals such as Mg, Ca, and Fe. Astaxanthin and beta-carotene were extracted and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.