Evaluation of salicylic acid effect on Tetraselmis suecica growth, biochemical composition and caloric value

Abstract

The microalgae Tetraselmis suecica is widely studied as a potential producer of triglycerides for biofuels production and number of biologically active substances. Artificial cultivation of microalgae is associated with its use as live food for bivalve molluscs cultivation, sea cucumbers and fish. The efficiency of microalgae cultivation depends on many environmental factors and is an economically demanding process. The use of exogenous stimulants - phytohormones, has a significant effect on the growth and cultivated microalgae biochemical parameters. It was shown that salicylic acid in concentrations of 1.0 - 3.8 x 10-8 M stimulated the growth of the Tetraselmis suecica culture. In comparison with the control, the growth of the culture by 415% was noted, with the addition of phytohormone at a concentration of 3.8 x 10-8 M. Under the influence of salicylic acid, the amount of protein increased 3.2 times, protein 1.3 times, and the synthesis of carbohydrates was suppressed. The caloric content of Tetraselmis suecica was determined by biochemical composition differences, which must be taken into account when determining the cultivation strategy for marine invertebrates, since a certain plastic material is required for each stage of metamorphosis. The toxicity of salicylic acid due to its accumulation in the environment is well known. The results obtained in our work will contribute to the expansion of knowledge about the effect of acid on microalgae and the potential for their use for wastewater bioremediation.