Optimization of biomass and fatty acid productivity of Desmodesmus intermedius as a promising microalga for biodiesel production

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to optimize the culture conditions for algal growth and lipid production of Desmodesmus intermedius. Different environmental factors including nitrogen content, salinity, kinetin hormone, vitamin B12, and light intensity were applied individually or in combination using Plackett–Burman statistical experimental design. In addition, the impact of optimized conditions on fatty acids profile and biodiesel quality was studied. Results revealed that the maximum lipid and biomass production for individual study optimization was recorded using 125 mg/L sodium nitrate, 12.5 mg/L sodium chloride, 10−7 mol/L kinetin, and 10−2 mg/L vitamin B12, at 4500 lux. In addition, Plackett-Burman model revealed that combination of sodium nitrate (125 mg/L), sodium chloride (25 mg/L), Kinetin hormone (0 mol/L), vitamin B12 (0 mg/L), and Light intensity (4500 Lux) resulted in maximum lipid productivity. The overall enhancements in lipid productivities using Plaktt–Berman model were 20% and 61.6% over individual optimization and control, respectively. Fatty acids profile for D. intermedius recorded the presence of 14 fatty acids. These fatty acids are suitable to produce high-quality biodiesel.