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The effect of CO2 and salinity on the cultivation of Scenedesmus obliquus for biodiesel production

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Abstract

Biodiesel is a renewable and environmental friendly energy source that can be produced via tranesterification from various oil crops such as soy bean, sunflower, palm, and algae. In this work, the microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus, S. armatus and S. bernadii, isolated from natural water basins, were enriched in modified Chu 13 medium. Only S. obliquus showed significant oil accumulation and was thus further cultivated in 3 L tubular photo-reactors under mixotrophic conditions (16:8 h light-dark cycle) at room temperature and varying CO2 (5, 10, and 15%) supply. The results indicated that S. obliquus can be grown under various CO2 concentrations. A maximum biomass of 2.3 g/L was achieved when 15% CO2 was used. The effect of salinity on oil storage was also considered, using sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions of varying concentrations (0.05, 0.2, and 0.3 M). Higher lipid contents were found in cells that were subjected to salt stress compared to those in conditions without salt stress. A maximum oil accumulation of 36% was observed within 15 days at 0.3 M NaCl. A biodiesel yield of up to 97.4% was obtained.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Alternative Energy Research and Development (AERD), Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand

    Pakawadee Kaewkannetra

  2. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand

    Pakawadee Kaewkannetra

  3. Postharvest and Processing Product Research and Development Office, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Bangkok, Thailand

    Prayoon Enmak

  4. AECOM DB, Wentworth Business Park, Tankersley, Barnsley, S75 3DL, UK

    TzeYen Chiu

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  1. Pakawadee Kaewkannetra
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  2. Prayoon Enmak
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  3. TzeYen Chiu
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Correspondence to TzeYen Chiu.

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Kaewkannetra, P., Enmak, P. & Chiu, T. The effect of CO2 and salinity on the cultivation of Scenedesmus obliquus for biodiesel production. Biotechnol Bioproc E 17, 591–597 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12257-011-0533-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12257-011-0533-5

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