• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Contact
Grow Organic Spirulina Grow Organic Spirulina
  • Guides
    • Books
    • Calculators
    • Consulting
  • Cultures
    • Live Spirulina Cultures
    • Feed Nutrients
    • Add Your Culture
  • Equipment
    • Grow Kits
    • Home & lab Equipment
    • Harvesting Gear
    • Farm Equipment
  • Free Resources
    • Blog
    • Glossary
    • FAQ
    • Videos
    • Spirulina Production Guide
    • Spirulina Harvesting Guide
  • Community
    • About Us
    • Join WhatsApp Group
    • Add your Spirulina Culture
    • Contact Us
  • My Account
    • Orders
    • Downloads
    • Memberships
    • Account details
  • 0 items$0.00
  • Free Resources
    • Blog
    • Glossary
    • Raceway Ponds 101
  • Spirulina Shop
    • Live Spirulina Culture
    • Grow Guides
    • Culture Nutrients
    • Home Lab Equipment
  • My Account
    • Cart
Grow Organic Spirulina
  • Guides
    • Books
    • Calculators
    • Consulting
  • Cultures
    • Live Spirulina Cultures
    • Feed Nutrients
    • Add Your Culture
  • Equipment
    • Grow Kits
    • Home & lab Equipment
    • Harvesting Gear
    • Farm Equipment
  • Free Resources
    • Blog
    • Glossary
    • FAQ
    • Videos
    • Spirulina Production Guide
    • Spirulina Harvesting Guide
  • Community
    • About Us
    • Join WhatsApp Group
    • Add your Spirulina Culture
    • Contact Us
  • My Account
    • Orders
    • Downloads
    • Memberships
    • Account details
  • 0 items$0.00
  • Free Resources
    • Blog
    • Glossary
    • Raceway Ponds 101
  • Spirulina Shop
    • Live Spirulina Culture
    • Grow Guides
    • Culture Nutrients
    • Home Lab Equipment
  • My Account
    • Cart

Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCo3)

« Back to Glossary Index

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHC03, or the common baking soda or drinking soda, is a white crystalline powder that is commonly used as a pH buffer, electrolyte replenisher, and systemic alkalizer in topical cleansing solutions. It is a salt composed of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. It has a salty, alkaline taste, resembling that of washing soda (sodium carbonate).

The Natural Origins of Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCo3

The natural mineral form of sodium bicarbonate is nahcolite. It is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in many mineral springs, including the Natron river in Tanzania, where Spirulina algae were recently found to be thriving naturally.

Nahcolite was first described in 1928 for an occurrence in a lava tunnel at Mount Vesuvius, Italy.  It occurs naturally in hot springs and saline lakes when evaporation occurs, forming an alkalic crust on the banks.

The name Nacholite refers to the elements which compose Sodium bicarbonate: Na, H, C, and O. 

Using Sodium Bicarbonate for Spirulina Cultivation

In algae cultivation, Sodium bicarbonate can be used to raise the total alkalinity of the growth medium, and generally make the maintenance of high pH easier. It is used in virtually all culture medium formulas, including the NASA formula, different variations of the Zarrouk formula and even in our organic formula.

Raising the total alkalinity of the growth medium of spirulina not only creates an environment that is friendly to the algae, it also eliminates all other organisms that may have penetrated into the growth medium.

To sum things up, NaHCo3 is a food-grade mineral compound that is completely safe to use as an algae nutrient. As evidence, it is widely used in the foods industry, commonly identified as E500.

Safety recommendations with Sodium Bicarbonate

  • The substance is known to be mildly irritating to the eyes. In case of exposure, rinse with plenty of water for several minutes, then take to a doctor.
  • The solution in water is a weak base and reacts to acids.

Where to Get Sodium Bicarbonate?

Sodium Bicarbonate and baking soda are widely available in many food shops and drugstores. However, they are usually sold in very small portions. It may come out cheaper when bought online in bulk. Here are a few options to consider:

 

Click the Images for more information or

Browse a Variety of Similar Products on Amazon

« Back to Glossary Index
Useful Quick Links
  • Home
  • Growth Formulas
    • NASA’s Formula
    • Organic Formula
    • RM6 Formula
    • Commercial Formula
  • Glossary
  • My Account
Sign up for email updates

Sign up for email updates

Latest Posts

Spirulina.network is Growing – Lets Grow Together!

Share Live Spirulina Culture with Growers in Your Area

This is How Home Grown Spirulina Can Save our Planet

How to make solution A5 for the Zarrouk growth medium 1966

Disclaimer
We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. Doing so helps us to keep this website going and create new content. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and transparent.
Built & Maintained by Web Content Wizard
Hosted by Siteground
Scroll to top