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2022 07:13 Spirulina Farming Project Report, Extraction Process | Agri Farming

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Spirulina Farming Project Report, Extraction Process

Introduction to Spirulina Farming Project

The following information is about Spirulina extraction process and Spirulina Farming Project Report.

Spirulina is a type of bacteria called cyanobacterium commonly known as blue-green algae that grow both
in fresh as well as salt water. Similar to plants it produces energy from sunlight through the
photosynthesis process. It grows and thrives in warm water alkaline ponds and rivers. Protein is one of
the important components in a diet. It is one of the best potential sources of protein. This protein in
Spirulina is grown commercially in large-scale culture systems for human as well as animal consumption.
Spirulina contains 40 to 80% protein content and its growth rate is very high. For its growth, it requires
less water, land, and can grow in any climate in tropical regions.  In commercial aquacultures such as fish,
prawn, and livestock; Spirulina either in the wet or dried form is used as a complementary dietary
ingredient.

Spirulina is unicellular, filamentous blue-green algae coiled in spirals of varying tightness and numbers
measuring about 0.1 mm. In environments having adequate minerals, it grows rapidly with high nutrient
content, low nucleic acid content, high concentrations of vitamins, and minerals. In developing countries,
it is used as a potential source of food, feed, and fuel. For human nutrition, it is cultivated in large scale in
clean waters and under controlled conditions while it is also grown in wastewaters and can be used in
animal feed. At the bottom of the article, you can find cost and profit details in Spirulina Farming Project
Report.

Scientific/Botanical name of Spirulina

The scientific name of domesticated Spirulina is known as Crocus sativus L. from the family Iridaceae.

Spirulina Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Spirulina.

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Spirulina contains many nutrients in high concentrations.

Contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is good for the heart as it can lower LDL and triglyceride levels.

Stops LDL cholesterol in becoming oxidized.

Appears to have anti-cancer properties and works well against oral cancer.

Controls inflammation in the nasal airways (allergic rhinitis symptoms).

Effective against anemia.

Useful for HIV patients as it strengthens the immune system.

Improves muscle strength and endurance.

Boosts brain energy as it increases Ribonucleic acid.

Studies in animals showed a lowering of blood sugar levels.

Improves digestive system health.

Have properties against anti-aging.

A tablespoon contains: 4 grams of protein, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin11 % of RDA), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin

15% of RDA), Vitamin B3 (Niacin 4% of RDA), Copper (21% of RDA), Iron (11% of RDA), also contains
Omega-6 & Omega-3 fatty acids (about 1 gram), manganese, potassium, and magnesium.

Growing Conditions of Spirulina

Climate: Spirulina while growing for commercial and large-scale production has to be done in regions
with suitable climatic conditions. Tropical and sub-tropical regions are well-suited places for its growing. It
requires sunshine throughout the year. The growth rate and production of Spirulina depend on various
factors such as wind, rain, temperature fluctuation, and solar radiations.

Temperature: For a high production with high protein content, a temperature between 30° to 35° C is
ideal. Spirulina can survive in temperatures between 22° to 38° C but the protein content and color will be
affected. Bleaching of cultures takes place when temperatures are above 35° C and it cannot survive in
temperatures less than 20° C.

Light: The intensity of light plays an important role in its growth. Light has a direct effect on protein
content, growth rate, and pigment synthesis of Spirulina. The light intensity between 20 to 30 K lux is
found to be ideal for Spirulina farming. It is observed under 2 K lux for 10 hours period by providing
different light shades; under the blue light, it yielded the highest protein content. Yellow, white, red, and
the green light was the next levels of protein generated.

Stirring: Spirulina needs exposure to light, as it a photosynthesizing organism. Light is maximum on the
top surface, Spirulina that is on top of the culture will thrive well while the ones beneath have a slow
growth rate and the Spirulina that remains below may die. For maximum production and proper growth
rate of each organism that culture has to be stirred constantly. This helps all organisms reach the top of
the culture and photosynthesis takes place uniformly. Stirring can be done manually as well as
mechanically. Pump and paddle wheels can be installed and can be powered by solar. Maximum care
should be taken while in manual stirring which can be done either with a stick or broom or any other
convenient thing. Stirring should be done in slow circular motions in one direction. Manual stirring is
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carried out once in every two to three hours in daytime only. After every stirring, the instruments are
cleaned thoroughly before reusing in the next stirring.

Water Quality: In commercial Spirulina farming, it is required to recreate the close culture medium in
which blue-green algae grows naturally. Water is the main source medium for Spirulina to grow. It should
have all the necessary sources of nutrition for healthy growth of Spirulina. The ideal water quality should
be maintained throughout the micro-algae mass production by providing a controlled salt solution in the
water. The ideal pH value culture medium should be between 8 to 11 ranges.  The water level in tanks or
pits should be controlled. The water level is important for the photosynthesis process to take place in all
organisms. The deeper the water level, sunlight penetration will be reduced, which will affect algae
growth. A minimum shallow level of 20 cm is ideal water level height. The chemical composition of the
culture medium is as follows:

Chemical Component Concentration (grams per liter)

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO3) 8.0
Sodium Chloride (NaCl) 1.0
Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) 2.0
Hydrous Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4.6H2O) 0.16
Ammonium Phosphate ((NH4)3PO4) 0.2
Urea (CO(NH2)2) 0.015
Iron SulphateHeptahydrate (FeSO4.6H2O) 0.005
Potassium Sulphate (K2SO4) 1.0
Calcium Chloride Dihydrate (CaCl2.2H2O) 0.1
Ammonium Cyanate (CH4N2O) 0.009

Contamination: Contamination of culture medium will have a direct effect on the production of Spirulina.
The contamination can happen either by insect breeding, foreign algae or through chemical
contaminants. Any amount of chlorine present in the water will kill the algae growth. This will lead to a
complete loss in the production of Spirulina. Larva of mosquitoes and other insects will feed on algae
leading to about an overall 10% decrease in production. At the time of harvesting, the existence of larva or
pupae will contaminate the Spirulina quality and yield. All extraneous materials can be removed from the
culture medium by using a fine wire mesh frame.

Spirulina Cultivation and Production

Natural Habitat:
Spirulina is one among many algal species found growing in natural freshwaters. They are also found in
natural habitats such as soil marshes, seawater, and brackish waters where alkaline waters exist. They
thrive well in highly alkaline waters with a high level of solar radiation where no other microorganisms can
grow. They can also tolerate low temperatures 15° C during nights and 40° C for a few hours in the
daytime. In natural habitats, their growth cycles depend on the limited supply of nutrients. When new
nutrients from the rivers or from pollution reach the water bodies, the algae rapidly grow and increase its
population to the maximum density. When nutrients get exhausted the Spirulina dies off reaching the
bottom and gets decomposed releasing nutrients into the water. A new Spirulina cycle begins when more
nutrients flow into the lake.

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Commercial and Mass Cultivation:

Japan in the early 1960s started large-scale culture cultivation of microalgae of chlorella followed by
Spirulina in the early 1970s. Today, there are more than 22 countries that cultivate Spirulina commercially
on a large-scale.

Ponds:
Commercial cultivation is usually carried out in shallow artificial ponds equipped with mechanical paddle
wheels for stirring the culture. The cultivation is carried out in two ways. 1. Concrete ponds and 2. Pits
lined with PVC or other plastic sheets. Concrete ponds can last for very long mass cultivation, but it is very
expensive. The cost of production in the early years will be high. Low-cost clay sealing and durable plastic
sheets will not last long, but incur investment at regular periods when the materials start to wear and
tear. Concrete ponds will be more cost-effective in the Spirulina business over the years while low-
investment structures will be more expensive in the business over the years. Ponds can be of any size and
shape depending on the physical land dimensions. Construction of single or multiple ponds can be done
with each pond size of 50 m long, 2-3 m wide, and with 20 to 30 cm depth are ideal pond conditions.
Length of the ponds can be of any length depending on the land availability. Covering each pond with
transparent polythene covers will help increase the temperature, decrease water evaporation, and helps
reduce chances of contamination.

Mixing Devices:
There are two ways of mixing the culture evenly and they are manual mixing the culture and mixing the
culture mechanically. Hand tools, such as long sticks, or broomsticks, or any convenient devices can be
used. Commonly used mechanical devices are paddle wheels, these are installed for stirring the culture.
Stirring the culture helps all the Spirulina organisms reaching to the top that they can take carbon dioxide
and solar energy for photosynthesis. Paddle wheels are installed according to the size of the ponds. A
large paddle wheel of diameter about two meters should rotate at 10 rpm speed. A small paddle wheel of
diameter up to 0.7 meters can rotate at 25 rpm speed for proper culture stirring.

Spirulina Cultivation Process:

Cultivation can be started after water is fed into each concrete pond at the required height and after
paddle wheels are installed. The water has to have the right pH value and alkaline by adding required
salts at the required rate. Once the water has a standard micronutrient composition, the pond is ready for
Spirulina seeding. Ideally, for uniform growth and for uniform harvesting, 30 grams of dry Spirulina is
added for every 10 liters of water. A concentrated live Spirulina culture can also be used as seeding the
pond. In commercial farms, one pond is exclusively kept for rearing Spirulina as seed. This will reduce the
regular purchase and the farm becomes self-sustain and also can sell live Spirulina seed to other farmers.
The algae bacterium starts to double in biomass within three to five days. The alga thrives growing by
consuming the nutrients in the culture medium. Farmers have to continually check the nutrient content
value and adding fresh water at regular periods for good production and for top yields. Farmers should be
alert to control environmental conditions as this prevents the culture medium from contamination.
Cultures grow rapidly as well as perish rapidly when Spirulina cultures are not taken care of properly. The
matured Spirulina changes from light to dark green in color. The concentration of algae and color of the
algae is the deciding factor for when Spirulina should be harvested. The other way is by using Secchi desk
to measure and it should be around 0.5 grams per liter of culture medium.

The water level in the pond should be maintained at 20 to 30 cm (25 cm is ideal water level height). As
most of the ponds are open the evaporation of water will affect the cultivation. Especially during summer,
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on an average thrice in a month, fresh water is released into the ponds to maintain consistent (25 cm)
water level height throughout the cultivation.

Harvesting of  Spirulina

Filtering of Culture Medium: As said earlier, the concentration of algae in the pond will be the deciding
factor for harvesting. In general, the pond will be ready for harvest after five days after seeding process is
done. Different farmers use different methods to harvest Spirulina, this is because of the availability of
material resources and finance. Whatever is the reason, filtration is carried out to harvest Spirulina.
Culture is collected in a container and poured onto the cloth. The culture medium flows back into the
pond, leaving Spirulina on the cloth. The excess or the culture medium residues that still remains can be
drained by applying pressure or squeezing. Farmers have designed various filtering process for an easy
and quick process. One can get more information on the internet for various designs that can be used to
reduce manual and quick harvest processing work. After filtering, the collected Spirulina is thoroughly
washed in distilled water to remove any traces of salts, contaminants, or culture medium residue. Once
the cleaning is done, the water content is further removed by squeezing or pressing and is ready for
drying. Freshly harvested Spirulina will be at its best in its nutritional values. Fresh Spirulina cannot last
more than 2 days, hence it needs to be dried to preserve its nutritional values and to last for a longer
duration.

Drying of Fresh Spirulina: Spirulina, when dried, will last for many months and also the nutritional
content in it can be preserved. For quick drying, the Spirulina mass is kept inside the kitchen press grater
and then pressed into thin strands on a long clean cloth under the sun. This helps in quick drying. The
kitchen press comes with various discs of different hole sizes in it. Use the disc which is comfortable and
which will help in quick drying. The Spirulina mass is squeezed into thin strands through machines which
are used for noodles and are laid in the open sun to dry. Some farmers apply the Spirulina mass into a
thin layer using a knife over the cloth. Some uses syringe for noodle-like strands. Whatever methods and
materials used, shortening the drying period will lessen contaminators. Ovens that run electrically or solar
powered can be used to speed drying. The temperature in the oven when maintained at 60° C takes about
4 fours while 40° C takes about 15 to 16 hours for Spirulina drying.

Grinding and Storage: The well-dried strands of Spirulina are now ready for grinding. Grinding machines
for flour making can be used for grounding of the dried algae. Spirulina is grounded and made into soft
powder dust which is then packed with different weights and sealed for marketing. Vacuum dried and
airtight packing will preserve the nutritional qualities up to three to four years.

Cost and Profits in Spirulina Farming/Spirulina Farming Project Report

Economics of  Spirulina Farming:
This project report is to give entrepreneurs a general overview of investment and revenues and the
figures mentioned are not actuals but for a business understanding. Each pond constructed is of 10 x 20
feet size. And there are about 20 such ponds. Each pond will generate on an average about 2 kg wet
culture per day. The farmer has to understand this equation that a one-kg wet culture will give 100 grams
of dry powder only. Based on this, on an average, a 20 tank Spirulina farming business will generate 4-5 kg
of dry Spirulina powder on a daily basis. The production of Spirulina in a month will be around 100 to 130
kg per month. Dry Spirulina powder in the market will fetch about Rs. 600/- per kg. A farmer can earn
about 40-45,000/- per month. A farmer can reduce his fixed investment by going for earth pits covered
with durable plastic sheets which can cost him around Rs. 3-4.5 lakhs. A farmer can make more profits by
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increasing tanks made with low-cost, durable materials apart from concrete ponds by utilizing maximum
space available in the land, which will reduce labor and investment with more profit returns.

1. Capital Investment Cost:

S. No Particulars Cost.Rs
1. Pond Construction (20 @ 50,000/-) 10,00,000/-
2. Plant Machinery 15,000/-
3. Laboratory Equipment 5,000/-
4. Water Treatment Plant 1,50,000/-
5. Piping Work 25,000/-
6. Electrical Works 15,000/-
7. Drying Screens 10,000/-
8. Harvesting Screens 5,000/-
9. Packing Materials 2,500/-
10. Chemicals (per month) 2,000/-
11. Labor (monthly basis) 18,000/-
12. Miscellaneous 2,500/-
Total Capital Investment 12,50,000/-

1. Total Cost:

S. No Particulars Cost.Rs
1. Total Capital Investment 12,50,000/-
2. Operational Cost on a monthly basis 25,000/-
Total Cost 8,10,000/-

1. Income:

S. No Particulars Cost.Rs
1. Sale of Spirulina Powder @ Rs. 600 per kg 72,000/-
Incomep.m (Sale – Operational Cost) 47,000/-

Spirulina Quality Specifications

The end product will fetch about 600 to 650/- per kg if the following quality specifications are met.

S. No Particulars Quality %
1. Moisture 3%
2. Protein 65%
3. Fat 7%

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4. Crude Fiber 9%
5. Carbohydrates 16%
6. Energy (100 gms) 346 KCal
7. Mold & Fungus Nil
Coliforms, Salmonella, streptococci bacteria, and
8. Nil
fermented odor

Read: Lemongrass Farming Project Report.

Spirulina Cultivation Training

This is not a big science to learn about. The training period wouldn’t take many days, it’s a brief learning
process that can last just a few days. Though the training will be too simple, but very important to have
good production and be successful. Many who started Spirulina business farming have failed because of
simple mistakes, and small silly mistakes will spoil the whole yield. Hence it is recommended to have
hands-on experience along with training. Proper training will let you have a quality yield with maximum
returns and without losing any money that you have invested right from the start. Following are a list of
the few training centers.
GMs Spirulina, C/S No. 121/1, Opposite to Central Admin. Building, Indira Colony, UrunIslampur,
Maharashtra 415409, ph: 075075 16006
Nallayan Research Centre for Sustainable Development,Navallor village, Kanchipuram district, Tamil
Nadu, Phone: 044- 28193063(office), mobile: 98840-00413 and 98840-00414(farm).
Spirulina Production, Research and Training Centre, Kondayampatti village, Madurai
Centre for Conservation and Utilization of Blue Green Algae, Division of Microbiology, ICAR-IARI, New
Delhi-110012

ChawadiSpirulina Training, flat no 301, Prerana arcade building, opptarakpur bus stand, Ahmednagar
Spirulina Entrepreneurs Research Centre, Dhone, Kurnool Dist, Andhra Pradesh +91 9490884164
Mudes1 Spirulina, Street Number 1, Yerraboda, Upparpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500030, +91 092966
01789

Tips and Challenges in Growing Spirulina

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1. Maintain uniform nutrient content in the culture medium throughout the cultivation.

2. Maintain culture medium temperature and 20-25 cm height level in the pond.

3. Thorough stirring of culture medium gently in one direction should be carried out once in three to four
hours in the daytime.

4. Avoid contamination of culture medium.

5. Mosquito larva will destroy 10% production by feeding on it.

6. The protein content of 65% will fetch market value, to achieve this; nutrient content in the culture
medium should be maintained consistently throughout the cultivation.

7. Direct sunlight should be available for healthy growth.

8. Freshwater is provided when the pond starts to smell ammonia.

9. Thick green layer formation indicates a delay in harvesting.

10. Dried Spirulina powder is stored immediately in an airtight satchets.

References for Live SpirulinaCulture

AAA Biotech Private Limited,
Amar Chauhan, Kohala,
Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

Vasudev Agro Industries,

11 126, LB Nagar, Chitoor,
Palmaner – 517408, Andhra Pradesh.

Read: Cotton Cultivation.

Table of Contents
1 Introduction to Spirulina Farming Project
1.1 Spirulina Health Benefits
1.2 Growing Conditions of Spirulina
1.3 Spirulina Cultivation and Production
1.4 Harvesting of Spirulina
1.5 Cost and Profits in Spirulina Farming/Spirulina Farming Project Report
1.6 Spirulina Quality Specifications
1.7 Spirulina Cultivation Training
1.8 Tips and Challenges in Growing Spirulina
1.9 References for Live SpirulinaCulture

Author: [email protected]

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