Enhancement of Cell Growth and Lipid Content of a Freshwater Microalga Scenedesmus sp. by Optimizing Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Vitamin Concentrations for Biodiesel Production

Abstract

The\reffects of nitrogen, phosphorus and vitamin on growth and lipid content of a\rfreshwater microalgae Scenedesmus sp.\rwere investigated under indoor conditions. Nitrogen, phosphorus and vitamin\rpresented significant statistical effect on lipid content, and a maximum lipid\rcontent of 29.3% was obtained, corresponded to increases of 90% when compared\rto those obtained with the original nutrients medium. On the other hand, only\rnitrogen and phosphorus presented significant statistical effect on cell\rgrowth, achieving ash free dry biomass, algal density, and specific growth rate\rof 1.3 g·L-1, 1.5E+07 cells mL-1, and 0.62 d-1,\rrespectively. By the use of the desirability function, it was possible to\rmaximize the cell growth and lipid content simultaneously. The fatty acid\rcomposition of the microalgal lipid comprises over 80% of saturated and\rmonounsaturated fatty acids. Thus, Scenedesmus sp. biomass could be used as suitable feedstock for biodiesel production.