The effect of salinity and nitrogen source on growth and biochemical composition of Arthrospira platensis
was evaluated. Growth, measured as dry biomass was determined every 48 hours and the biochemical composition at the end
of experiment. Growth and the contents of protein, chlorophyll a, carotenoids and phycocyanin of this microalga were
decreased when the salinity was increased. These parameters reached their highest concentrations at 0 ups in sodium nitrate
(3.5 ± 0.17 mg/ml; 57.5 ± 4.41 %; 43.04 ±0.34 μg/ml; 15.1 ± 0.76 μg/ml y 153 ± 3.8 μg/ml, respectively). Carbohydrates and
lipids, however, reached their highest values at 15 UPS but also in sodium nitrate (20.9 ± 1.35% and 9.5 ± 0.50%, respectively).
The saturated fatty acids (50.04 ± 2.32%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (22.46 ± 1.82%) reached their highest values at
15 UPS in urea. While polyunsaturated fatty acids reached their maximum concentrations at 0 UPS but in urea (44.11 ±
3.32%). We conclude that A. platensis, grown with nitrate or urea as nitrogen sources, represents an alternative source of food
for humans and animals, as well as raw material for pharmaceutical and biotech industries.