Abstract
Diatoms are very diverse and highly productive organisms, found in a wide variety of environments. This study aims to analyze the growth and lipid composition of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, cultured in an outdoor pilot-scale bubble column photobioreactor under natural conditions in Chile for biodiesel production. Results showed that P. tricornutum cultures reached their highest biomass concentration (0.96 ± 0.04 kg m−3) after 14 days of culturing, at the stationary phase, with a volumetric productivity of 0.13 kg m−3 d−1. Biomass samples showed a total lipid content of 9.08 ± 0.38 wt %. The fatty acid methyl ester analysis revealed a composition of 24.39% C16-C18 fatty acids, 42.34% saturated fatty acids, 21.91% monounsaturated fatty acids and 31.41% polyunsaturated fatty acids. These findings suggest that P. tricornutum oil can be used as an alternative raw material for the production of biodiesel capable of meeting international quality standards.
Highlights
The production of biofuels offers new opportunities to mitigate climate change and promote energy security
The microalgae culture was performed with complete nutritional medium medium from the starting point, without further addition of nutrients
P. tricornutum was grown in the commercial culture medium f/2
Summary
The production of biofuels offers new opportunities to mitigate climate change and promote energy security. The complementation of fossil fuels, used for many decades as a primary energy source, leads to a circular economy approach by closing the carbon cycle [1]. In this context, microalgae have attracted significant interest as feedstock for different types of renewable fuels such as biodiesel, methane, hydrogen and ethanol, among others [2]. Microalgae photosynthetic metabolism produces valuable compounds using solar energy, water, carbon dioxide and other available compounds. Through this metabolic process, they are capable of generating raw materials to use in biofuels, food and feed production [3]. It is possible to effectively combine microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment, reducing operating costs and simultaneously allowing potential waste valorization [6]
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.
