Effects of bicarbonate and carbon dioxide on the competition between Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis

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Abstract

A concentration of 0.05 M bicarbonate and over exerted an increasingly inhibitory effect on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris, whereas a concentration lower than 0.1 M decreased the growth rate of Spirulina platensis. In a medium containing 0.15 M bicarbonate and 0.05 M NaCl, in which the growth of Chlorella was curtailed, it was possible to maintain a mixed, continuous culture of Chlorella and Spirulina at steady state. Carbon dioxide also exerted a decisive influence on the outcome of the competition between the two algae. In a mixed culture at steady state, an immediate and sharp decline in the population of Chlorella was evident as soon as CO2 bubbling was withheld. Prevention of the rise in pH did not prevent the fast increase in the number of Chlorella cells. When the supply of CO2 was resumed just before Chlorella was washed out, a complete recovery of the population of Chlorella took place. The growth of Chlorella in above 0.1 M bicarbonate was only possible when gaseous CO2 was passed through the medium. High bicarbonate content and low concentrations of gaseous CO2 were identified as the major factors that prevented the contamination of Spirulina cultures by Chlorella.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1411-1417
Number of pages7
JournalPlant and Cell Physiology
Volume23
Issue number8
StatePublished - 1 Dec 1982

Keywords

  • Carbonate system
  • Chlorella vulgaris
  • Species competition
  • Spirulina platensis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Plant Science
  • Cell Biology

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