Comparative evolution of biomass production and lipid accumulation potential of Chlorella species grown in a bubble column photobioreactor

ABSTRACT

In the present study, biomass growth and lipid accumulation of five Chlorella species (Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella minutissima, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Chlorella sp.1 and Chlorella sp.2) were compared under different nitrogen concentration and sources. In addition, all microalgae species were also grown in a 10 L bubble column photobioreactor under outdoor conditions. The results revealed that Chlorella minutissima have maximum biomass production potential (1.65 g/L) at 35.30 mM nitrogen concentration. Maximum lipid content was recorded for Chlorella vulgaris (21.81%) at 2.21 mM nitrogen concentration. Among different nitrogen sources (NaNo₃, KNO₃, urea and DAP), urea was observed to be the most economical nitrogen source for large scale biodiesel production feasibility. All species grew well in a 10 L bubble column photo bioreactor under outdoor conditions, but Chlorella vulgaris showed maximum potential for biodiesel production.

KEYWORDS:

• Chlorella sp.
• microalgae cultivation
• biomass production
• lipid accumulation
• fatty acid methyl esters

Acknowledgment

Authors are highly thankful to our Chancellor Professor S.J. Chopra, Former Vice Chancellor Dr. Parag Diwan and Vice Chancellor Dr. Shrihari, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, for their continuous encouragement and valuable mentorship. Authors are also thankful for financial support of R & D department.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.