Data on growth performance and nutritional composition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry fed with Chlamydomonas sp.

A feeding trial spanning two months was conducted to evaluate the effects of Chlamydomonas sp. on growth performance, water quality, survival, proximate composition and biochemical profile of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) where fishmeal was partially replaced using Chlamydomonas sp. in the diet. Twenty uniform-sized common carp fries were distributed into triplicate groups and placed in 40-liter rectangular glass tanks. Chlamydomonas sp. was added at different levels in the diet: 0 % (control), 5 % (C5), 10 % (C10), 15 % (C15) along with the commercial feed (CMF). After the experiment, random sampling of fish was performed to conduct all the analyses. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were found in the chemical water quality parameters. The highest survival rate was recorded from C15 (81.67 %) followed by C10 (71.67 %), CMF (63.33 %) and C5 (58.33 %) respectively compared with the control (43.2 %). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) observed among all the treatments in terms of Average Daily Gains (ADG), Specific Growth Rate (SGR) and length increments. Protein content ranged the highest and the lowest in C15 (35.6 %) and control (24.8 %) respectively. The C15 group showed the highest lipid content (15.7 %) and the control group showed the lowest lipid (8.4 %). The inclusion of Chlamydomonas sp. in the diet had a significant positive impact on the fatty acid and amino acid profile of whole common carp. Present data revealed that substituting a portion of fishmeal with Chlamydomonas sp. powder could provide higher growth performance, offering both nutritional benefits and higher survival rate in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Comparative dataset on productivity, proximate, biochemical and pigment content of marine Gonyostomum sp. and freshwater Tetraedron sp. microalgae.

The dataset includes a comparative analysis of Gonyostomum sp. and Tetraedron sp. to characterize their productivity, proximate composition, biochemical composition and pigments. Growth data were collected through cell density and optical density and subsequently mass-cultured to utilize biomass for other analyses. The onset of the stationary phase (12 to 18 days) varied between the species. Volumetric productivity, areal productivity, and SGR were also significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) in Gonyostomum sp. whereas, Tetraedron sp. showed significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) cell duplication time and cell doublings per day (K). Gonyostomum sp. showed significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) protein (42.86±1.13%), carbohydrate (13.56±0.48%) and lipid (27.4 ± 0.69%) content than Tetraedron sp. Significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were obtained from both Gonyostomum sp. and Tetraedron sp. Non-essential amino acids were prevalent in both microalgae than essential amino acids. Significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) chlorophyll-a (5.51±0.00), chlorophyll-b (2.27±0.04) and phycobiliprotein (2.32±0.05) were found in Tetraedron sp. Conversely, Gonyostomum sp. exhibited higher (p ˂ 0.05) carotenoid content (2.48±0.05). These findings may contribute to the screening and utilization of these microalgae in the aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals sectors.

Biodegradation of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) microplastics by floc-forming bacteria, Bacillus cereus strain SHBF2, isolated from a commercial aquafarm.

The ubiquitous proximity of the commonly used microplastic (MP) particles particularly polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) poses a serious threat to the environment and human health globally. Biological treatment as an environment-friendly approach to counter MP pollution has recent interest when the bio-agent has beneficial functions in their ecosystem. This study aimed to utilize beneficial floc-forming bacteria Bacillus cereus SHBF2 isolated from an aquaculture farm in reducing the MP particles (PE, PP, and PS) from their environment. The bacteria were inoculated for 60 days in a medium containing MP particle as a sole carbon source. On different days of incubation (DOI), the bacterial growth analysis was monitored and the MP particles were harvested to examine their weight loss, surface changes, and alterations in chemical properties. After 60 DOI, the highest weight loss was recorded for PE, 6.87 ± 0.92%, which was further evaluated to daily reduction rate (k), 0.00118 day-1, and half-life (t1/2), 605.08 ± 138.52 days. The OD value (1.74 ± 0.008 Abs.) indicated the higher efficiency of bacteria for PP utilization, and so for the colony formation per define volume (1.04 × 1011 CFU/mL). Biofilm formation, erosions, cracks, and fragments were evident during the observation of the tested MPs using the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The formation of carbonyl and alcohol group due to the oxidation and hydrolysis by SHBF2 strain were confirmed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. Additionally, the alterations of pH and CO2 evolution from each of the MP type ensures the bacterial activity and mineralization of the MP particles. The findings of this study have confirmed and indicated a higher degree of biodegradation for all of the selected MP particles. B. cereus SHBF2, the floc-forming bacteria used in aquaculture, has demonstrated a great potential for use as an efficient MP-degrading bacterium in the biofloc farming system in the near future to guarantee a sustainable green aquaculture production.

Dataset representing growth performance, nutritional assay and biochemical profile of Oscillatoria spp.

Cyanobacteria are regarded as vital constituents of aquatic ecosystems which recently become viable option for bioremediation since it can remove contaminants from polluted water. They possess intriguing metabolic properties and exhibit differential growth patterns. This study elucidates the isolation and identification of two marine and two freshwater indigenous Oscillatoria spp., their growth performance, nutritional composition along with intricate biochemical profiles. Agar streak plate method was used for the isolation, growth curve was determined through chlorophyll content and optical density. Freshwater and marine Oscillatoria spp. were mass cultured in commercial Bold Basal Media and Conway media respectively. Wet biomass was harvested through centrifugation at the early stationary phase of their respective growth curve and oven-dried at 40 °C to determine the nutritional and biochemical profiles. Oscillatoria sp. 2 displayed significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) chlorophyll-a (22.72 ± 0.04 µg/mL) and OD value (1.87 ± 0.03) in the stationary phase (9th to 11th day) than the other species. Crude protein contents (%) varied from 21.56 ± 0.09 to 56.97 ± 0.03. Crude lipid (%) ranged from 9.07 ± 0.07 to 17.13 ± 0.13 and Crude fiber content (%) showed the range from 7.49 ± 0.15 to 17.04 ± 0.08. Fatty acid and amino acid were also found variable among the species. Present study will contribute to the meticulous selection and characterization of Oscillatoria sp. to utilize it in the rigorous scientific investigations and diverse commercial applications.

Data on growth performance of marine Chlorella sp. cultured in different cost-effective media.

This paper presents the data on growth performance of marine Chlorella sp. cultured in different cost-effective media including cow dung, cow urine, poultry litter, compost, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and UTR (Urea, TSP, and red potash). Growth curve of Chlorella sp. was determined at 5 mg of cow dung, poultry litter, compost, NPK, UTR and 5 µL of cow urine per 350 ml sea water (25 ppt) to identify the onset of stationary phase. Further four media among these were selected to continue the experiment at 8 mg and 11 mg of concentration. The higher cell densities were 4.21 × 106 and 4.18 × 106 cells/mL for NPK at 8 mg and 11 mg of concentration on 6th and 5th day, respectively. Cow dung with an 11 mg of concentration exhibited 2.67 × 106 cells/mL on the 3rd day, which is around 1.5 times greater than the highest growth in the same concentration of poultry litter. Chlorella sp. had a higher cell density in NPK media than in other media, however it was discarded since it is inorganic and costly. Due to the low cell density in cow urine media and the prolonged stationary phase in poultry litter media, the focus of the subsequent study was then placed on cow dung media. The data will contribute to the selection of locally available and cost-effective culture media by determining the stationary phases for specific microalgal species which will replace the costly and labor-intensive commercial media.

A comprehensive dataset on the extraction of pigments from Oscillatoria spp.

Cyanobacterial species such as Oscillatoria spp. pigments are essential components that enable the photosynthetic ability of this autotrophic organism. These pigments, principally chlorophylls and phycobiliproteins, are crucial for photosynthesis and give cyanobacteria their distinctive blue-green color. Exploring these pigments is crucial for unraveling the ecological and biotechnological relevance and significance. Spectrophotometric methods were used for measuring the chlorophyll-a, phycobiliprotein, and carotenoid contents of Oscillatoria species. Oscillatoria spp. displayed significantly variable (p ˂ 0.05) chlorophyll-a ranging from 12.67 ± 0.04 to 22.72 ± 0.04 µg/mL. Phycobiliprotein content (mg/g) significantly (p ˂ 0.05) varied from 87.39 ± 0.12 µg/mL to 121.42 ± 0.06. Carotenoid content also significantly ranged from 1.0 ± 0.01 µg/mL to 1.4 ± 0.01 µg/mL. Present data will contribute to the screening and characterization of Oscillatoria spp. in terms of pigment to utilize it in rigorous scientific research and diverse commercial applications.

A comprehensive dataset on antimicrobial activity of indigenous Oscillatoria spp. against common bacteria causing diseases in fish and shellfish.

The antibacterial activity of phenolic extracts was assessed using the disk diffusion technique on two marine and two freshwater species of Oscillatoria. Three Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus sp. and Streptococcus sp.) and nine Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Vibrio spp., Salmonella sp., Shigella sp., Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas sp.) were isolated from diseased marine fish, shrimp and crab. Filamentous Oscillatoria sp. indicated higher antibiotic activity than planktonic one. Gram positive bacteria showed higher susceptibility to phenol compared to the gram-negative bacteria. Filamentous Oscillatoria sp. showed highest inhibition zone of 34.06 ± 0.08mm against Staphylococcus sp., while planktonic Oscillatoria sp. showed lower inhibition zone against Pseudomonas sp. about 17.11 ± 0.18mm. Minimum inhibitory concentration value was found to be 100 µg/ml for filamentous Oscillatoria sp., 150 µg/ml for planktonic Oscillatoria sp. These findings suggest that, Oscillatoria spp. contain potential antibacterial substances. It also paves the way for detailed analysis of Oscillatoria spp. bioactive compound for the creation of novel antibiotics and serve both the aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries.

Microplastics pollution in mud crab (Scylla sp.) aquaculture system: First investigation and evidence.

Microplastics (MPs) occurrence in farmed aquatic organisms has already been the prime priority of researchers due to the food security concerns for human consumption. A number of commercially important aquaculture systems have already been investigated for MPs pollution but the mud crab (Scylla sp.) aquaculture system has not been investigated yet even though it is a highly demanded commercial species globally. This study reported the MPs pollution in the mud crab (Scylla sp.) aquaculture system for the first time. Three different stations of the selected aquafarm were sampled for water and sediment samples and MPs particles in the samples were isolated by the gravimetric analysis (0.9% w/v NaCl solution). MP abundance was visualized under a microscope along with their size, shape, and color. A subset of the isolated MPs was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for the surface and chemical characterization respectively. The average MPs concentration was 47.5 ± 11.875 particles/g in sediment and 127.92 ± 14.99 particles/100 L in the water sample. Fibrous-shaped (72.17%) and transparent-colored (59.37%) MPs were dominant in all the collected samples. However, smaller MPs (>0.05-0.5 mm) were more common in the water samples (47.69%) and the larger (>1-5 mm) MPs were in the sediment samples (47.83%). SEM analysis found cracks and roughness on the surface of the MPs and nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene MPs were identified by FTIR analysis. PLI value showed hazard level I in water and level II in sediment. The existence of deleterious MPs particles in the mud crab aquaculture system was well evident. The other commercial mud crab aquafarms must therefore be thoroughly investigated in order to include farmed mud crabs as an environmentally vulnerable food security concern.

A comprehensive dataset on the effects of Nannochloropsis sp. inclusion diets on water quality and oxidative stress of guppy (Poecilia reticulata).

This experiment was designed to collect the data on antioxidants content of guppy fed with Nannochloropsis sp. inclusion diets through partial replacement of fishmeal in feed and the effect of microalgal diet on water quality parameter of the culture system. Triplicate groups of fifteen uniform sized guppy fries were kept in each rectangular glass tank (20 L) maintaining the male and female ratio to 1:2. Different experimental diets containing Nannochloropsis sp. (0%-control; 5%-N5, 10%-N10 and 15%-N15) and commercial feed (CMF) were fed to the fishes, two times a day at 5% of their body weight for 100 consecutive days. Water quality parameters were analyzed and recorded throughout the trial period. Both physical and chemical parameters of the culture tanks were measured during the trial period. At the end of experiment, random sampling was done for growth parameter assessment and further laboratory analysis. Oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation) was analyzed with the carcass sample. In this study, antioxidants content of guppy showed a significant difference among the treatment. Also, improved water quality parameters were found in the treatment tanks where guppy were fed with microalgae formulated feeds. In conclusion, results from this study indicate that selected marine microalga can increase the antioxidant properties of fish that would help in production of more hardy culture species for commercial aqua farming as well as help to maintain water quality parameters of the culture system which is now become a great problem.

Microplastics biodegradation by biofloc-producing bacteria: An inventive biofloc technology approach.

Microplastics pollution has become a threat to aquaculture practices, as nearly all farming systems are saturated with microplastics (MPs) particles. Current research on MPs is limited considering their effects on aquatic organisms and human health. However, limited research has been conducted on potential cures and treatments. In today's world, bioremediation of needful parameters in different culture systems is being successfully practiced by introducing floc-forming bacteria. Researchers had found that some bacteria are efficacious in degrading microplastics particles including polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP). In addition, some bacteria that can form floc, are being used in fish and shellfish culture systems to treat toxic pollutants as the heterotrophic bacteria use organic compounds to grow and are effective in degrading microplastics and minimizing toxic nitrogen loads in aquaculture systems. In this review, the ability of biofloc bacteria to degrade microplastics has been summarized by collating the results of previous studies. The concept of this review may represent the efficacy of biofloc technology as an implicit tool in the fish culture system restricting the MPs contamination in water resources to safeguard ecological as well as human health.

Data on Growth, survivability, water quality and hemato-biochemical indices of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry fed with selected marine microalgae.

Data of this article describes growth, survival rate, water quality and hemato-biochemical indices of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. To collect the data, the Nile Tilapia fry was reared in 30 L glass aquarium (18 fish/ tank) for 56-days under controlled environmental condition. Feed was prepared with 25 and 50% replacement of commercial fish meal with Nannochloropsis sp. and Tetraselmis sp. microalgae, while no replacement was made for control feed. Initial and final body weight of fish was recorded to find the data of growth rate; survival rate was calculated from the initial and final live individuals recorded during the experiment; physico-chemical parameters were analyzed to collect water quality data; hemato-biochemical indices were collected using hematology analyzer and photometry. The data on growth, survival rate and hemato-biochemical indices were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Therefore, these data might contribute to the selection of marine microalgae to improve the water quality during fish farming which could enhance the growth and survivability of fish. In addition, the data of hemato-biochemical indices represent that feeding selected marine microalgae might result in the production of healthy and disease-free fish.

Immobilized Tetraselmis sp. for reducing nitrogenous and phosphorous compounds from aquaculture wastewater.

Removal of nitrogenous and phosphorus compounds from aquaculture wastewater by green microalgae (Tetraselmis sp.) was investigated using a novel method of algal cell immobilization. Immobilized microalgae removed nitrogenous and phosphorous compounds efficiently from aquaculture wastewater. Results showed that Tetraselmis beads reduced significantly (p < 0.05) the total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorous concentration (0.08; 0.10 and 0.17 mg/L, respectively) from the initial concentration of 7.7, 3.1 and 2.0 mg/L respectively within 48 h compared to other treatments. Removal rate of total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorous were 99.2, 99.2 and 94.3% respectively, for the artificial wastewater within 24 h. For the shrimp pond wastewater, total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen and soluble reactive phosphorous were reduced 98.9, 97.7 and 91.1% respectively within 48 h. It is concluded that Tetraselmis sp. beads is an effective means to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus levels in aquaculture wastewater.

Performance Characteristics of Ankistrodesmus falcatus in Different Culture Media and Concentration.

This study determined the effect of growth media and culture concentration on the growth, proximate, and microelement composition of Ankistrodesmus falcatus. The culture of A. falcatus was done using three media, namely Modified COMBO Medium (COMBO), Bold's Basal Medium (BBM), and Bristol, at two concentrations (50% and 100%). The results obtained show that the cell density (>3.5 × 107 cells/mL), optical density (>0.24), and specific growth rate (>0.429%/day) were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in BBM and COMBO than in Bristol (<3.1 × 107 cells/mL; <0.23; <0.416%/day, respectively) at both concentrations. However, biomass was higher in BBM (>2.20 g/L) than in COMBO (1.87-2.13 g/L), while Bristol had the lowest value observed (1.70-1.73 g/L). Biochemical and microelement composition showed variations between media and at the different concentrations, with higher values observed in BBM and COMBO. Based on the growth parameters and nutritional composition, it was concluded that BBM and COMBO were better media for the propagation of A. falcatus growth than Bristol. The study also demonstrated that the microalgae can be cultured using half of the media's concentration to lower production costs.

Data on growth, productivity, pigments and proximate composition of indigenous marine microalgae isolated from Cox's Bazar Coast.

Data on growth, productivity, pigments and proximate composition of the four different indigenous marine microalgae (isolated from Cox's Bazar Coast) were collected to compare the growth performance, pigments and nutritional composition. Chlorella sp., Nannochloropsis sp., Tetraselmis sp. and Chaetoceros sp. are the four different marine microalgae. Growth curve was determined as the prerequisite to identify the stationary phase for each of the isolated microalgae. Data on growth curves were collected in terms of cell density and optical density to observe the growth rates and division per day. Isolated species were mass cultured in commercial culture medium. When the culture reached at stationary phase, microalgae were extracted to determine productivity, pigments, and proximate composition. The data of productivity (volumetric, areal and lipid productivity), pigments (Chlorophyll a, b, c, carotenoids, and phycobiliproteins), and proximate composition (protein, lipid, and carbohydrate) were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the four different microalgae. Therefore, this data will contribute to the selection of potential microalgae species through proper characterization for vast industrializations.

Taxon- and Growth Phase-Specific Antioxidant Production by Chlorophyte, Bacillariophyte, and Haptophyte Strains Isolated From Tropical Waters.

Antioxidants found in microalgae play an essential role in both animals and humans, against various diseases and aging processes by protecting cells from oxidative damage. In this study, 26 indigenous tropical marine microalgae were screened. Out of the 26 screened strains, 10 were selected and were further investigated for their natural antioxidant compounds which include carotenoids, phenolics, and fatty acids collected in their exponential and stationary phases. The antioxidant capacity was also evaluated by a total of four assays, which include ABTS, DPPH, superoxide radical (O2 •-) scavenging capacity, and nitric oxide (•NO-) scavenging capacity. This study revealed that the antioxidant capacity of the microalgae varied between divisions, strains, and growth phase and was also related to the content of antioxidant compounds present in the cells. Carotenoids and phenolics were found to be the major contributors to the antioxidant capacity, followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), arachidonic acid (ARA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared to other fatty acids. The antioxidant capacity of the selected bacillariophytes and haptophytes was found to be positively correlated to phenolic (R 2-value = 0.623, 0.714, and 0.786 with ABTS, DPPH, and •NO-) under exponential phase, and to carotenoid fucoxanthin and ß-carotene (R2 value = 0.530, 0.581 with ABTS, and 0.710, 0.795 with O2 •-) under stationary phase. Meanwhile, antioxidant capacity of chlorophyte strains was positively correlated with lutein, ß-carotene and zeaxanthin under the exponential phase (R2 value = 0.615, 0.615, 0.507 with ABTS, and R2 value = 0.794, 0.659, and 0.509 with •NO-). In the stationary phase, chlorophyte strains were positively correlated with violaxanthin (0.755 with •NO-), neoxanthin (0.623 with DPPH, 0.610 with •NO-), and lutein (0.582 with •NO-). This study showed that antioxidant capacity and related antioxidant compound production of tropical microalgae strains are growth phase-dependent. The results can be used to improve the microalgal antioxidant compound production for application in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, and feed industry.

Data on growth performance, proximate composition, and fatty acid content of edible oyster (Crassostrea spp.), farmed on shellstring along Cox's Bazar Coast.

Data on growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid content of Edible oysters (Crassostrea spp.) were collected to evaluate the spatial variation in growth performance, proximate composition and fatty acid content of oyster. The oyster was farmed on shellstring for 120 days in the three sites: Nunia chara, Chowfoldandy and Sonadia Island. Oysters were marked into six different age classes: T1: 31-45 days; T2: 46-60 days; T3: 61-75 days; T4: 76-90 days; T5: 91-105 days and T6: 106-120 days. Data on environmental variables were collected in every 15 days. Oysters were collected for physical measurements and biochemical analysis after 120 days. Data on growth performance showed spatial variation. Withal, data on proximate composition and fatty acid content were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the three sites. This data could contribute in oyster aquaculture development.

Bioprospecting of indigenous marine microalgae with ammonium tolerance from aquaculture ponds for microalgae cultivation with ammonium-rich wastewaters.

We isolated fifty-two strains from the marine aquaculture ponds in Malaysia that were evaluated for their lipid production and ammonium tolerance and four isolates were selected as new ammonium tolerant microalgae with high-lipid production: TRG10-p102 Oocystis heteromucosa (Chlorophyceae); TRG10-p103 and TRG10-p105 Thalassiosira weissflogii (Bacillariophyceae); and TRG10-p201 Amphora coffeiformis (Bacillariophyceae). Eicosapentenoic acid (EPA) in three diatom strain was between 2.6 and 18.6 % of total fatty acids, which were higher than in O. heteromucosa. Only A. coffeiformi possessed arachidonic acid. Oocystis heteromucosa naturally grew at high ammonium concentrations (1.4-10 mM), whereas the growth of the other strains, T. weissflogii and A. coffeiformi, were visibly inhibited at high ammonium concentrations (>1.4 mM-NH4). However, two strains of T. weissflogii were able to grow at up to 10 mM-NH4 by gradually acclimating to higher ammonium concentrations. The ammonium tolerant strains, especially T. weissflogii which have high EPA contents, were identified as a valuable candidate for biomass production utilizing NH4-N media, such as ammonium-rich wastewater.

Experimental data of phospholipid supplementary in full fishmeal replacement diets on growth indices, whole body nutrient composition, muscle fatty acid composition, haematocrit value and serum lysozyme activity in Malaysian mahseer (Tor tambroides).

The data collection was initiated to evaluate the effects of supplementary phospholipid to non-fishmeal based diet in order to make functional diets for the Malaysian Mahseer, Tor tambroides. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets were formulated to consist 100% fishmeal (FM100), 0% fishmeal or full fishmeal replacement (FM0), and 0% fishmeal supplemented with 4% phospholipids (FM0+4%PL), 6% phospholipids (FM0+6%PL). A 60-day feeding trial was conducted and data collection was carried out for the following parameters; growth indices, somatic parameters, whole body nutrient composition, muscle fatty acid composition, haematocrit value and serum lysozyme activity. Fish fed FM0 diets showed significantly poor performance (P < 0.05) for all parameters. Fish showed improved growth, better whole body protein content and higher lysozyme activity when fed FM100 and phospholipid supplemented diets. In general, the current study validated that dietary PL supplementation may possibly improve the growth and survival of juvenile T. tambroides fed non-fishmeal based diets. Findings of this research could contribute in the aquaculture development of T. tambroides.

Effects of different light source and media on growth and production of phycobiliprotein from freshwater cyanobacteria.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different light sources and media (wastewater and BBM) on the growth of Pseudanabaena mucicola and its phycobiliprotein production. Results showed that P. mucicola grown in white light using wastewater as medium attributed higher biomass (0.55 g L-1) and when extracted with water, also showed significantly higher (P < .05) production (237.01 mg g-1) and purity (1.14) of phycobiliprotein. This study validated that phycobiliprotein extracted from P. mucicola using water can be food grade natural blue pigment. Moreover, cyanobacteria grown in wastewater could cut down the production cost of phycobiliprotein.

Availability and Utilization of Pigments from Microalgae.

Microalgae are the major photosynthesizers on earth and produce important pigments that include chlorophyll a, b and c, ß-carotene, astaxanthin, xanthophylls, and phycobiliproteins. Presently, synthetic colorants are used in food, cosmetic, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. However, due to problems associated with the harmful effects of synthetic colorants, exploitation of microalgal pigments as a source of natural colors becomes an attractive option. There are various factors such as nutrient availability, salinity, pH, temperature, light wavelength, and light intensity that affect pigment production in microalgae. This paper reviews the availability and characteristics of microalgal pigments, factors affecting pigment production, and the application of pigments produced from microalgae. The potential of microalgal pigments as a source of natural colors is enormous as an alternative to synthetic coloring agents, which has limited applications due to regulatory practice for health reasons.