| Title | An Evaluation of the Potential for Spirulina Production at Selected Thermal Springs in Limpopo South Africa |
|---|---|
| Authors | TSHIBALO Ernest, TEKERE Memory |
| Year | 2015 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Spirulina, thermal springs, Musina Spirulina, South Africa, Limpopo Province |
| Abstract | South Africa is located in a geologically stable zone. Despite this, the country is relatively well endowed with thermal springs. Eighty seven thermal springs, with temperatures ranging from 25¢ªC to 67,5¢ªC have been documented to date. This paper focuses on the evaluation of the potential for spirulina production in selected thermal springs in the Limpopo Province of the country. Spirulina is known for its high nutritional values and is useful as a therapeutic agent and in cosmetics. Spirulina production relies on maintenance of high temperature for optimum growth (35oC), media preparation and drying the biomass during processing. An analysis of the physicochemical water quality parameters of the thermal springs indicated that the thermal spring water can be used to control temperature ideal for growing spirulina throughout the year. The springs are alkaline and are also rich in some minerals essential for spirulina production. It is proposed that to save on development costs, processing can be made at the now closed Musina Spirulina production site, a distance less than 80km from the selected thermal springs. One of the reasons for closure of the Musina Spirulina production plant is that the temperature in winter was dropping below the required level for growing spirulina or microalgae. The use of hot spring water for heating purposes will therefore be a most welcome cost effective development the production of spirulina. |