MICROBIOLOGICAL AND ECOPHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GREEN ALGAE Dunaliella sp. FOR IMPROVEMENT OF CAROTENOID PRODUCTION

Abstract

An isolate of green algae Dunaliella sp. from BBAP Jepara is usually used as a source for carotenoid supplement for marine animal cultivation in the local area. In order to improve carotenoid production especially detection of biosynthetic pathway from the organisms investigated in this study, the main purpose of this study is characterizing Dunaliella sp. based on it’s microbiological and ecophysiological characters. The research was done by characterize the growth, the cell and colonies microbiologically, total pigment production, and also characterize all of the ecophysiological factors affecting the algal growth and survival. The results of this research showed that Dunaliella sp. posseses typical characteristic of green eucaryote alga, in their growth and ecological condition. The extreme characters which was toleration ability to high salinity environment of was used to conclude Dunaliella sp. as Dunaliella salina.