Evaluation of Microalgal Biofuel Production under Nitrogenand Phosphorus Starvations

Microalgal starch and lipid are promising alternative feedstocks for bioethanol and biodiesel production. The aim of this study was to enhance starch and lipid accumulation in a mixed-culture of microalgae under nitrogen and phosphorus starvation.A mixed-culture of microalgae accumulated 38% and 11.7% DW (Dry Weight) starch and lipid, respectively, in six-day nitrogen starvation. Starch, lipid, and biomass productivity were 47.18, 10.45 and 57.6 mg/L.day under this starvation, respectively. Under same operational condition and phosphorus starvation, microalgae accumulated 23% and 19% of DW starch and lipid, respectively. However, starch, lipid, and biomass productivity were 16.7, 21.5 and 39.2 mg/L.day, respectively. The data suggest that because of high starch productivity (47.18 mg/L.day) under nitrogen starvation and high lipid productivity (21.5 mg/L.day) under phosphorus starvation, microalgae cultivation is a potential candidate for the bioethanol and biodiesel production, respectively

Keywords:

microalgae , bioethanol , biodiesel , starch , lipid