Abstract
Biodiesel production from microalgae depends on the algal biomass and lipid content. Both biomass production and lipid accumulation are limited by several factors in which nutrients play a key role. We investigated the influences of micronutrients on biomass, and lipid content of Micractinium pusillum GU732425 cultivated in bold basal media (BBM). The average dry biomass of microalgal strain in control medium reached 0.34 ± 0.01 g /L, while doubling (2X) the levels of Mn and Cu concentration increased the dry biomass to 0.38 ± 0.01 and 0.37 ± 0.02 g /L, respectively. M. pusillum cultivated in control medium had a biomass of 0.82 ± 0.05 g/L and a lipid productivity of 0.33 ± 0.02 g/L after 17 day cultivation. The alga cultivated in BBM with 4X Mn or 4X Cu produced more biomass (1.25 ± 0.01 or 1.28 ± 0.04 g dw/L) and lipid productivity (0.45±0.04 or 0.47±0.05 g/L), respectively. M. pusillum cultivated in different growth media had fatty acid compositions mainly comprising linoleic (49-54%), palmitic (24-29%), linolenic (16-22%), and oleic acids (2-5%). These results can be used to maximize the production of microalgal biomass and lipids in optimally designed photobioreactors. Key words: Micractinium pusillum, biomass, lipid production, media composition, fatty acids, trace metals
Highlights
Both rapid growth and industrialization of nations have resulted in a steep increase in the production and consumption of fossil fuels
We investigated the influences of micronutrients on biomass, and lipid content of Micractinium pusillum GU732425 cultivated in bold basal media (BBM)
The average dry biomass concentration of M. pusillum grown in BBM was 0.34 ± 0.01 g/L, while for micronutrientdepleted BBM, the dry biomass ranged from 0.24 ± 0.01 g/L (0X Cu) to 0.28 ± 0.01 g/L (0X Co) after 17 day of cultivation
Summary
Both rapid growth and industrialization of nations have resulted in a steep increase in the production and consumption of fossil fuels. This increase has put severe stress on already depleting fossil fuels, and resulted in an alarming increase in pollution across the globe. The current demand for biofuel as a gasoline substitute is extremely high due to the high cost of petroleum or the potential for a high cost. One such fuel showing great potential is biodiesel that has received much attention recently, as it is made from non-toxic, biodegradable, and renewable resources. Lipid production from microalgae can be improved by manipulating growth conditions such as nitrogen deprivation
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