Lipid production of Chlorella vulgaris and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Ana L. Gonçalves (Author) FEUP; José C. M. Pires (Author) FEUP; Manuel Simões (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Vol. 4 No. 1

Pages: 1-6

ISSN: 2008-9163

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 20 Citations

Scientific classification

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Process engineering > Bioprocess engineering ; Technological sciences > Engineering > Project engineering

FOS: Engineering and technology > Environmental engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences

Associated Projects

UI0511 - PROJECTO ESTRATÉGICO - UI 511 - 2013-2014

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-C4Y

DOI: 10.1186/2251-6832-4-14

Abstract (EN): Background: The depletion of fossil fuel reserves has stimulated the search for sustainable sources of energy that are carbon-neutral or renewable. In this context, microalgae are a promising energetic resource. They are photosynthetic microorganisms that use CO2 as carbon source, with high specific growth rates. Furthermore, some species present high lipid content that can be easily converted into biodiesel. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the effect of light supply (one of the most important culture parameters) on lipid production of selected microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Methods: Both microalgal species were cultured under different light irradiance values (36, 72, 96, and 126 ¿E m-2 s-1) and for each light irradiance value, three light/dark ratios (10:14, 14:10, and 24:0) were tested. Lipid contents of both microalgae were then determined using a recently developed colorimetric method. Results/Conclusions: P. subcapitata presented higher lipid productivity than C. vulgaris. High lipid concentration was achieved in microalgal cultures with higher light irradiance values. However, for 96 and 126 ¿E m-2 s-1, lipid productions of both microalgae were not significantly higher than with 72 ¿E m-2 s-1, which means that microalgal light saturation point may be achieved. © 2013 Gonçalves et al.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6