TITLE:
Enhancement of Cell Growth and Lipid Content of a Freshwater Microalga Scenedesmus sp. by Optimizing Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Vitamin Concentrations for Biodiesel Production
AUTHORS:
Neumara L. S. Hakalin, Amanda P. Paz, Donato A. G. Aranda, Lídia Maria P. Moraes
KEYWORDS:
Scenedesmus sp., Phototrophic Cultivation, Nutrient Optimization, Lipid Accumulation, Algal Biodiesel
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Science,
Vol.6 No.12,
August
27,
2014
ABSTRACT: The
effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and vitamin on growth and lipid content of a
freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus sp.
were investigated under indoor conditions. Nitrogen, phosphorus and vitamin
presented significant statistical effect on lipid content, and a maximum lipid
content of 29.3% was obtained, corresponded to increases of 90% when compared
to those obtained with the original nutrients medium. On the other hand, only
nitrogen and phosphorus presented significant statistical effect on cell
growth, achieving ash free dry biomass, algal density, and specific growth rate
of 1.3 g·L-1, 1.5E+07 cells mL-1, and 0.62 d-1,
respectively. By the use of the desirability function, it was possible to
maximize the cell growth and lipid content simultaneously. The fatty acid
composition of the microalgal lipid comprises over 80% of saturated and
monounsaturated fatty acids. Thus, Scenedesmus sp. biomass could be used as suitable feedstock for biodiesel production.