Bioconversion of mango processing waste to fish-feed by microalgae isolated from fruit processing industrial effluents.
Sunita M., Rao D. G.
Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research 62 :344
Abstract : Fifteen different strains of blue green algae (including one green algae) collected from the wastewaters of fruit processing industrial areas were screened for production of algal biomass from mango processing waste. The utility of microalgae was evaluated based on feeding trials of the biomass to the fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Only the growth of fish in terms of body mass gain was measured. The mango waste after removing the stones was macerated and then diluted with water to 15-20% mango waste and inoculated with blue green algae. The cultures were continuously illuminated (4000 lux light intensity) for 15-20 days. Among various strains of algae tested, only two (Scytonema and Microcystis spp.) were found to be toxic, while several others gave promising results. Through such efforts, mango waste can be converted into fish feed and then through fish growth into an important protein source for human consumption.