Economics of microalgae (Chaetoceros calcitrans) production using the multi-step method in the Philippines

Abstract

The use of live microalgae for food during the early stages of the life cycle of shrimp larvae is considered essential. The microalga Chaetoceros calcitrans was mass produced at the Aquaculture Department of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC/AQD) using the multistep method. The alga was grown in batches using successively larger containers. A cell density of 2.65 × 10⁶ cells/ml was obtained from the final 4-day culture of C. calcitrans. Production cost using this method was P715.50/ton (US$ 1.00=25 Philippine pesos). The minimal costs involved in this method make it an affordable technique for the mass culture of microalgae.