GROWTH OF ALGAE ON PIG MANURE

The algal flora of two pig waste lagoons was investigated and four species of algae were isolated which were able to tolerate high concentrations of pig manure. One of these, Chlorella pyrenoidosa Chick, was studied in detail to determine its growth characteristics on pig manure. It was found that when grown under optimum conditions it could reduce the permanganate value of 5 % pig manure by up to 94.6%. The results of outdoor trials with the alga are also reported. It was found that when the alga was grown in conjunction with the normal bacterial flora of pig waste, a reduction in permanganate value occurred which was greater than with either bacteria or alga alone. The feasibility of using this algal system for the disposal of pig waste is discussed and the possibility of using the algal crop as an animal feed supplement is suggested.