ABSTRACT
The Cell-Hi All-In-One product range is the only complete, free-flowing, dry and fully soluble algae nutrient blend available on the market. The products incorporate a balance of all essential, macro and micro nutrients coupled with vitamins. Each of the Cell-Hi products is based on industry-standard formulations from literature and culture collections. The product is widely used in academic settings, as well as aquaculture and production facilities worldwide. There are over 24 peer-reviewed academic journal articles in which the Cell-Hi product range is referenced [1].
We estimate between 2-5% [2] of OPEX costs associated with microalgal production at typical hatcheries as being attributable to the costs associated with making media for algae cultivation. To prove the efficacy of the Cell-Hi range, we benchmarked the biological and economic performance of the product line against commercially available alternatives. Experiments were undertaken in a Varicon Aqua (CTC) controlled temperature chamber using 250 ml conical flasks aerated with 1% CO2, and surface illumination of 150 µmol m-2 s-1 achieved with red/blue/white (400-760 nm) LEDs. The temperature conditions were fixed at specific temperatures depending on the trial strain 25°C ± 1°C for Nannochloropsis spp. and 20°C ± 1°C for Tetraselmis suecica.
Our results showed that Nannochloropsis spp. grown on Cell-Hi F2P had identical performance to laboratory-made or commercially supplied nutrient (no significant statistical difference, average productivity of 0.15 g L -1 d-1 and final yield of 1.1 g L-1 over a 7-day batch). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in growth rates between T. suecica grown on Cell-Hi-WP and laboratory-made equivalents (average productivity 0.25 g L-1 d-1 and a final yield of 1.7 g L-1 over a 7-day batch).
Furthermore, techno-economic evaluation demonstrated 60% cost savings per kg of nutrient used within a hatchery when substituting conventional media protocols with Cell-Hi products. We have shown that our Cell-Hi range is comparable in biological performance and superior in economic performance to many conventional alternatives (both pre-formulated and formulated from analytical grade chemicals). These findings provide a compelling argument for making the switch to Cell-Hi All-In-One within commercial hatchery operations.
Keywords: Cell-Hi nutrient range, all-in-one, Varicon Aqua, algae fertiliser, fully soluble.
References:
[1] Butler, T., Lizzul, A. M., (2020). Commercially Viable Powder Media for Industrial Cultivation of Microalgae. Internal Report. Varicon Aqua Solutions.
[2] Oostlander , P.C., van Houcke , J., et al, (2020). Modeling Microalgae Production Cost in Aquaculture Hatcheries. Aquafeeds Report. Global Aquaculture Advocate.