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Abstract

Ankistrodesmus gracilis (Chlorophyta) fertilized in swine manure in the laboratory. The objective of the present work was to investigate the infl uence of swine manure media on the growth, total length, dry weight, and nutrit- ional value of Ankistrodesmus gracilis microalgae. Two media were mea- sured: “in natura” and biodigested. The growth rate peak for A. gracilis was highest with biodigester treatment (6.2 x 107 cells.mL-1) on the 5th day, at a volume of 2L. The highest percentage of lipids was verifi ed for “in natura” media. Protein was highest (p > 0.05) for the biodigested media at 2L. Biovolume, ash rate, and total length were different (p < 0.05) between treatments, but the same was not true for dry weight and crude fi ber (p > 0.05). Light demand was also different between media, with lesser intensity being required for biodigested media (13.5?E.cm-2.s- 1). In fact, the biodigested media proved to be cheaper in terms of cost and benefi t. Generally, the medium containing swine manure, both “in natura” and biodigested, showed better results in A. gracilis development, with water quality adequate for culture systems. Swine manure in both forms may also be used in high-density cultures in the laboratory.