2025 Volume 35 Issue 1 Pages 1-7
Spirulina, renowned for its exceptional nutritional profile, emerges as a promising cyanobacterium for diverse industrial applications. Identifying local strains suited to the spirulina production environment holds significant potential for enhancing the efficient cultivation of this microalgae. To establish a suitable spirulina strain for cultivation in the Republic of Djibouti, we conducted an extensive exploration of Lake Abbe, an alkaline soda lake located along the Djibouti-Ethiopia border. The survey revealed that Lake Abbe provides an optimal environment for spirulina growth, characterized by elevated temperatures, high conductivity, and an alkaline pH. Among the seven surveyed sites, spirulina-like organisms were observed at four locations. Subsequent isolation and cultivation of spirulina from Lake Abbe demonstrated stable growth in a LAB medium, consisting of Lake Abbe water diluted with one-tenth volume of SOT medium. Genetic analysis, specifically the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, confirmed the strain’s identity as Arthrospira platensis, a species widely used in commercial spirulina production. These findings offer valuable insights into Lake Abbe spirulina, designated as Arthrospira platensis LAB1, and its potential applications across various industries.
