IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Senthil Kumar Natesan; Prakasam Velu; Elumalai Sanniyasi

Volume : II, Issue : V, May - 2013

Growth Kinetics and Fatty Acid Composition of Chlorella vulgaris (Trebouxiophyceae), Scenedesmus quadricauda(Chlorophyceae) & Isochrysis galbana (Prymnesiophyceae)

Senthil Kumar Natesan, Prakasam Velu, Elumalai Sanniyasi

Abstract :

Microalgae are the promising renewable source for future biodiesel production. The screening of potent microalgae species are more important to produce sustainable biofuel. In this present investigation, 2 fresh water microalgae Chlorella vulgaris Beyerinck [Beijerinck], Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turpin) Brebisson and marine microalga, Isochrysis galabana Parke were taken and the cultures were maintained at photo flux of 150µE m–2 s–1 (12 light/ dark), 25?C in an orbital shaker at 150 rpm up to 30 days. The main parameters used in this study were spectroscopy for growth rate determination, FT–IR and GC–MS to detect the fatty acid esters. The maximum growth rate and increased biomass were obtained at 12 – 16 days culture. In the three tested microalgae, C12:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C14:1, C16:1, C17:1, C18:1, 16:2, 18:2, 16:3, 18:3, 24:2. 24:3 and C26:3 were commonly present. C. vulgaris showed 0.210 day–1 growth rate and 34.75% Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) whereas growth rate (0.202 and 0.181 day–1) and PUFA content (39.59 and 61.12) of S. quadricauda and I. galbana were comparatively higher. This study proved that the marine microalga, I. galbana are valuable candidate for PUFA to produce biodiesel.