Utilization of Cassava Wastewater for Carotenoid Production of Rhodotorula sp.

Abstract

Cassava wastewater ( CW) contains high amounts of organic substances, suspended matter, phosphorus, nitrogen compounds and various minerals such as magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron and zinc. The study aimed to evaluate of the potential using cassava wastewater as a low- cost alternative substrate for the growth of Rhodotorula sp. TISTR 5089 intended for the production of carotenoids. The yeast Rhodotorula sp. was cultivated in CW and CW with 10 g/L glucose supplementation by comparing in YM at initial pH 5.0, 150 rpm and room temperature for 168 h. The carotenoid productions of Rhodotorula sp. were found in CW and CW with 10 g/ L glucose supplementation as 128. 96+ 10. 02 and 128. 39+ 12. 54 ug/g, respectively. While carotenoid productions of Rhodotorula sp. in YM was 135.52+11.33 ug/g. Results suggest that cassava wastewater presents the potential to be applied as a sole source of nutrients to support and reduce the cost of Rhodotorula sp. carotenoid production.