Indigenous microalgae strains characterization for a sustainable biodiesel production

• Published in: Biotechnology journal 2024-01, Vol.19 (1), p.e2300096-n/a
• Main Authors: Amouri, Mohammed, Aziza, Majda, Kaidi, Fayrouz, Abert Vian, Maryline, Chemat, Farid, Amrane, Abdeltif, Assunção, Mariana F. G., Santos, Lília M. A., Ounnar, Amel, Zitouni, Dalila, Berrached, Abdessalam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: biodiesel; Biofuels; Biomass; Chemical Sciences; Chlorella vulgaris; Coelastrella thermophila; FAMEs; Fatty Acids; Microalgae
• ISSN: 1860-6768; 1860-7314
• DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300096

Microalgae have been widely recognized as a promising feedstock for sustainable biofuels production to tackle global warming and pollution issues related to fossil fuels uses. This study identified and analyzed indigenous microalgae strains for biodiesel production, specifically Chlorella vulgaris and Coelastrella thermophila var. globulina, from two distinct locations in Algeria. Molecular identification confirmed their identity, and the microalgae exhibited notable growth characteristics. Local Chlorella vulgaris and Coelastrella thermophila var. globulina showed good growth and high biomass yield, compared to Chlorella vulgaris CCAP211/11B reaching a weight of 1.48 g L‐1, 1.95 g L‐1, and 2.10 g L‐1, respectively. Lipids content of local Chlorella vulgaris, Coelastrella thermophila var. globulina, and Chlorella vulgaris CCAP211/11B, were found to be 31.39 ± 3.3%, 17 ± 2.26%, and 19 ± 0.64%, respectively. Chlorella vulgaris stood out as a candidate for biodiesel production due to its equilibrium between SFA and PUFA (43.24% and 45.27%). FAs are predominated by SFA and MUFA for Coelastrella thermophila var. globulina with value of 81.49% (SFA+MUFA). Predicted biodiesel qualities comply with ASTM6751 and EN14214 standards. Studied microalgae have therefore a promising potential for biodiesel production. However, optimising cultivation conditions is necessary to enhance biomass and lipids yield at a large scale. Graphical and Lay Summary This study identified and analyzed indigenous microalgae strains, specifically Chlorella vulgaris and Coelastrella thermophila var. globulina, isolated from two distinct locations in Algeria. Molecular identification confirmed their identity, and the microalgae exhibited notable growth characteristics. Isolated microalgae have been revealed to be a promising strains for biomass production, lipid production with a suitable Fatty acids for biodiesel production.