Abstract

In this paper, a systematic methodology is shown for the scaling-up of Nannochloropsis gaditana production for aquaculture uses. First, an adequate culture medium was developed, prepared using fertilizers instead of pure chemicals. Subsequently, the performance of N. gaditana was modelled as a function of average irradiance; this model being validated in continuous culture experiments. The model was used to determine the optimal dilution rate as well as the expected biomass concentration and productivity at optimal conditions. Finally, outdoor experiments were performed to confirm the model's validity and to determine optimal conditions at real production step. Biomass productivity values of up to 0.08gL(-1)day(-1) were obtained at an optimal dilution rate of 0.25 per day in 0.2m wide flat-panel reactors using culture medium containing 0.4g/L NO3- and 0.034g/LPO4-3. Fish trials with Atlantic Salmon demonstrated that the inclusion of produced biomass into fed increase the final weight up to 5%, thus confirming the adequacy of the biomass produced for aquaculture uses. The growth model and the scaling-up strategy proposed here are necessary to develop real industrial-scale processes capable of supplying microalgal biomass to the aquaculture markets, which in turn require a guaranteed supply and quality of the raw materials provided.