| Abstract |
A very intensive development of micro-algal biomass production is currently going on worldwide. This is related to the wide range of algal application in medicine, cosmetics and agriculture. The quality and economic efficiency of this production is site specific and highly dependent on climate, water CO2 content and overall composition, environmental conditions, know-how technology, as well as the existing local traditions for algal applications. The use of geothermal waters in algal technology provides a high optimization of the cultivation process and considerable reduction in production costs. There are extremely good conditions for algal technology development in the Southern Balkan region in terms of the above mentioned major factors required for this activity. More efforts should be made for a wider use and management and that could be achieved by the joint efforts of Bulgaria, Greece and Macedonia. The first step has already been made with the Bulgarian-Greek project for Spirulina cultivation in the Nigrita geothermal field (N.Greece). The conception of geothermal application in microalgal development proposed herein is based on: - A fully developed know-how technology at an up-to-date level for cultivation of Chlorella in SW Bulgaria for more than 35 years of plant operation in the Rupite area (South-West Bulgaria), as well as various forms and types of applications in Bulgaria and accumulated export experience. - Four years of Spirulina cultivation in the Nigrita area (Northern Greece) and some experience in its management and export. - A good water resource base for successful cultivation and possibilities for application in F.Y.R. Macedonia. Many spas in the three countries could be also a good choice for setting up an algae development in them. Algae |