Characterization of microalgae from lowlands in South Sumatera (Indonesia) as a potential source for biodiesel production

Abstract

Biodiesel production technology from microalgae is widely considered as a potential and efficient method. This research was conducted to characterize microalgal species isolated from some lowlands in South Sumatera and investigated their potential for biodiesel production. Five microalgal culture isolate were selected and identified as strains of Chlorella sp PKB, Chlorella sp PPP, Chlorella sp SB, Crucigenia quadrata PTA and Scenedesmus sudetica PTA. These isolates were determined the growth rates, biomass and total lipid content. Under similar environmental condition, dried weight biomass of isolate were 1,30; 0,88; 0,74; 0,5; 0,26 respectively. Total lipid content of isolates were 35,2; 28,5; 25,6; 17,8; 8,4 respectively. Chlorella sp PKB showed the highest lipid content comparison others, whereas Chlorella sp SB showed the highest dried biomassa. The results suggest that only Chlorella sp PKB can be a possible candidate species for biodiesel production.