Abstract
Microalgae oil accumulation in their natural growing states hardly reaches the quantities needed to replace fossil-derived diesel. Therefore, for algae to be used as biofuel feedstock, their growths are manipulated with the aim of achieving high cell density and high lipid accumulation. Two major factors affecting microalgal biomass and lipid productivity are light intensity and photoperiod. In the present study, Desmodesmus subspicatus was grown photoautotrophically under varying light intensities and photoperiods with a view to assessing the growth, lipid accumulation potential and fatty acid composition. Whereas the optimal light intensity for biomass production of the microalga was 5000 lx, that for lipid productivity was 3500 lx. At 5000 lx and 18: 6 h light/dark cycle, biomass yield, lipid content and lipid productivity were highest, at values of 1.92 ± 0.03 g/L, 53% and 118.80 ± 2.04 mgL-1day -1 respectively. The major fatty acid of the alga was oleic acid irrespective of light changes. The quantities of lipid accumulated and the properties of the fatty acid methyl esters showed that Desmodesmus subspicatus LC172266 is an ideal feedstock for biodiesel production.
Highlights
The last few decades have witnessed an increased interest in microalgal research especially with regards to their application as an important bioresource in the production of greener and renewable fuels
The present study investigated the influence of the light intensity and photoperiod on the growth and lipid accumulation of Desmodesmus subspicatus
Light intensity significantly influences algal growth and accumulation of lipids to such an extent that when the nutrients are not limited, the growth of microalgae depend on the light conditions (Han et al, 2015)
Summary
The last few decades have witnessed an increased interest in microalgal research especially with regards to their application as an important bioresource in the production of greener and renewable fuels. The selection of oleaginous, high lipid-containing microalgal strains for biodiesel production is focused on lipid content and on growth conditions (Han et al, 2015). Scott et al (2010) obtained low biomass with low light intensity (LI) and photoinhibition with high LI. This situation was previously described by Campbell et al (1995) and alluded to by McGuin et al (2011). The findings further suggested that a relatively high light intensity limited algal growth, but favored an increase in the content and yield of the lipids (Han et al 2015). Light intensity affects lipid yields in microalgae which in turn is of particular interest in algal biodiesel production (Nzayisenga et al, 2020). Biodiesel property analysis was deduced using a BiodieselAnalyzer software and compared to ASTM and EN standards
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
