Effect of CO2 on the generation of biomass and lipids by Monoraphidium contortum: A promising microalga for the production of biodiesel

Abstract

In this work, the effect of different concentrations of CO2 (0.03, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10%) was evaluated on the generation of biomass, the productivity of lipids, the consumption of nitrate and phosphate, the lipid profile, and the quality of biodiesel obtained by Monoraphidium contortum. The maximum productivity of biomass (529.26 mg·L−1·d−1) and of lipids (37.52 mg·L−1·d−1) was obtained by M. contortum with 7.5% CO2. The lipids were transformed to biodiesel through a transesterification reaction; the major components of biodiesel obtained from M. contortum oil were oleic and palmitic acid. Fuel properties were estimated and found to be within the limits for biodiesel of the American Standard for Testing Materials (ASTM 6751:2006) and the European Union Standards (EN 14214:2008). The results obtained with M. contortum in this study justify its transformation into biodiesel of adequate quality.