Changes in pigment and protein content of Westiellopsis prolifica, a blue-green alga grown in paper mill waste water

The effect of paper mill waste water on the pigment and protein content of a blue-green alga, Westiellopsis prolifica, showed increased chlorophyll, carotenoid and protein content for up to 14 days of incubation followed by a decline. The pure waste water without the basal nutrient medium revealed decreased growth. The results indicate that W. prolifica could be utilised as an agent for low-cost biological treatment of waste water through nutrient manipulation.