Fatty acid profiles, pigments and biochemical contents of cyanobacterial mat in some lakes of north western desert, Egypt

Abstract

Objective: This is the first attempt to investigate the natural dens grow of cyanobacterial mats as a source of some bioactive materials and biodiesel in some northern lakes of western desert, Egypt. Materials and Methods: The investigation included fatty acids, pigments (chlorophyll a, -carotein and phycocyanin) and biochemical contents (glycerol, total protein, carbohydrates and lipids), in addition to the % of water and ash contents from autumn- 2013 to summer-2014. Cyanobacterial mat was important source of protein, phycocyanin, -carotene and a wide range of fatty acids. Results: Protein content was 284.09 wwt% in Aghormy whereas -carotene reached to 41 times more than in carrot. The detected levels of phycocyanin (PC) in wet natural growing mats of Aghormy and Maraqi were similar to that reported in optimized dry mass production. Fatty acids spectrum found in the present study are very suitable for use as biodiesel especially in Aghormy where fatty acids characterized by high unsaturation and significant amount of palmitic and oleic fatty acids. Based on the fatty acids profile, seven biodiesel quality criteria were calculated; Cetane Number (CN), the Mass of Iodine (IV), Saponification Value (SV), the Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP), Long-Chain Saturated Factor (LCSF), the temperature at which the solid phase begins to form (CP) and Degree of Unsaturation (DU). Based on the biodiesel quality criteria, the best biodiesel was detected in Aghormy Lake. Conclusion: The cyanobacterial mats in Siwa oasis is considered as a natural resource of a wide range of commercially important natural products.