Variations in the Total Lipid Content and Biological Characteristics of Diatom Species for Potential Biodiesel Production

Abstract

The selection of suitable and indigenous species is a fundamental requirement in developing oil-rich microalgae for biodiesel production. So it is necessary to evaluate the growth characteristics and lipid content of the interested microalgae species and obtain a basic knowledge about their potential towards biodiesel production. In this study, the total lipid content and biomass concentration under normal culture conditions of thirty- five diatom species (with twenty-six species being studied for the first time) belonging to nineteen genera obtained from different locations were examined. The results showed that the total lipid content is species-dependent, ranging from 4.86% to 48.61% dry weight. Twenty-four strains (64.9%) had total lipid contents higher than 20% dry weight, and nine strains (24.3%) had total lipid contents greater than 30% dry weight. Achnanthes amoena and Proschkinia sp. had total lipid contents up to 48.61% and 41.42% dry weight, respectively. Compared with the centric diatoms, most species with high lipid content were pennate. In addition, various biological characteristics were documented, including cell size and the ability to survive in various environments. The results revealed that some diatom species here such as Bacillaria paradoxa, Navicula molli, Navicula halophila and Phaeodactylum tricornutum could be regarded as potential sources for biodiesel production.