Physico-chemical parameters for Micro algal culture

Marine microalgae are unicellular in nature, which are the primary producers of the sea. Among microalgae, green algae, flagellate and diatom species, are the primary producers at the base of the marine food chain. It’s an important source of nutrition and is used widely in the aquaculture of other aquatic organisms like finfish and shellfish, etc., either directly or as an added source of basic nutrients. They are cultured in hatcheries for larval rearing of molluscs, crustaceans and fish as a source of nutrition. In hatchery systems, micro algae is also added to the larval rearing tanks to improve ‘quality’ of water. The production of micro algae is very critical in successful hatchery management. Suitably treated seawater enriched with nutrients, like nitrates, phosphates, essential trace elements, vitamins and carbon dioxide is a prerequisite for any successful algal culture. High micro algal biomass with low bacteria content is important to support the growth of finfish or shellfish larvae. In this context Physio-chemical parameters and its management in algal culture systems plays a vital role in enhancing the survival, growth and production of cultivable animals.