The potential of waste chicken feather protein hydrolysate as microalgae biostimulant using organic fertilizer as nutrients source

Abstract

High costs associated with chemical triggers to promote microalgae productivity when waste-based sources are used as nutrients source has diverted the attention of microalgae growers to seek for sustainable substitute for synthetic triggers. On the other note, vast disposal of chicken feather waste cause severe environmental pollution due to its low decomposition characteristics. Following the call for rigid regulations on its disposal and in attempt to valorize this waste, chicken feathers were subjected to hydrolysis process using 1M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and precipitated by 1M hydrochloric acid (HCL) to produce chicken feather protein hydrolysate (CFPH). The prepared CFPH was further tested for its feasibility as biostimulant for Chlorella vulgaris grown in organic fertilizer as nutrients source. From the data obtained via elemental analysis, the protein content of CFPH was determined as 73.56%. The biomass and lipid productivities of C. vulgaris cultures were significantly improved by 30.4 and 34.3 to 44.6%, respectively compared to control cultures. This research work indicated that CFPH may serve as a potential low-cost biostimulant for simultaneous augmentation of microalgae biomass and lipid. Characterization of physicochemical properties of the produced CFPH is an essential step in identifying possible avenues for its application in microalgae cultivation.