Algae Biomass for Biofuel Production; Yield Analysis of Chlorella Vulgaris and Scenedesmus Meyen in Different Culture Media

Abstract

The utilization of microalgae for the commercial production of clean fuels (biofuel) is considered a suitable renewable energy source compared to fossil fuels. Commercial production of algae is disadvantaged by high capital inputs and low biomass (yield) production threatens the viability of algae biofuel production on large scale. This study, therefore, investigated the suitability of two culture media Blue-Green medium (BG-11) and Bold’s Basal medium for the optimum biomass (yield) production of Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Scenedesmus meyen (S. meyen) in a laboratory. The BG-11 medium was more suitable for optimal growth, chlorophyll content development, and biomass production for both species as compared to the BB medium. Between the two algae species, Scenedesmus meyen produced more biomass 1.3 g (dry weight) in the BB medium as compared to 0.63 g (dry weight) in the BG-11 medium. In contrast, more biomass from C. vulgaris was obtained from the BG-11 medium of 0.79 g as compared to 0.04 g in the BB medium at room temperature (25 ℃). Given the prospects of algae biofuel production as an alternative renewable energy source, strategies to improve growth performance and yield (biomass) are important to make commercial cultivation of algae cost-effective. This study, therefore, provides an empirical guide for further research aimed at maximizing yield and biomass production by renewable energy industries for clean fuel production.