EVALUATION OF CHEMICAL FLOCCULATION FOR HARVESTING OF MARINE MICROALGA, NANNOCHLOROPSIS SALINAShyam Kumar S. and A.V. SarammaAbstract Microalgal separation from the culture media is very tedious but it can be achieved using several methods. Physical or mechanical means of separation include sedimentation, filtration, flocculation and centrifugation. Flocculation is considered as one of the most cost-effective methods for microalgal harvest. In the present study, maximum flocculation efficiency of 93% was exhibited by ferric chloride when 0.2 g/L was added to N. salina cultures. However, the colour change or pigmentation of cultures may restrict their use as flocculent. Aluminium sulphate at a concentration of 0.2 g/L produced 88% flocculation, hence it can be considered as a good flocculent for harvesting N. salina cells. Alternatively, alkaline pH (pH 11) may also be used for cell harvest.
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