Utilization of rural wastes for algal biomass production with Scendesmus acutus and Spirulina plantensis

,4 technology ,[or the production oJ the green alga, Scenedesmus acutus, and
blue green alga, Spirulina platensis, in clean water has been det;eloped at out"
Institute to suit Indian conditions. Experience gained on algal production technology
in India indicates the seopejor applying this at the rural lereljbr use in the production
ql animalJeed. Spirulina is the most promising alga in t'iew o fits amenabili O' to low
lerel technology. Nutrient input to the euhures is one oj the expensive steps. It i~s
shown that agricultural and domestic' wastes can be eJ]~cticely reeycled Jor algal
biomass production by replacing, at least partly, the nutrient inputs. Urine and
honemeal reduce the inputs oJnitrate, calcium and phosphate salts into the cuhure
medium. Sheep's blood has a growth promoting eJJect on algal cultures and a good
potentialJor application. Carbon dioxide enriched air ~'aerobic biogas'~produced
by composting cow dung, can be used as a carbon sourcejor algal cuhication. Seceral
experiments carried out in India indicate the possibility q[deceloping an integrated
algal production system in rural areas by means oj which wastes can be eJ]ectit:ely
recycled. The use q/algae in poultry and fish jeeds is a distinct possibility jor the
future.