Biomass and lipid productivities of marine microalgae isolated from the Persian Gulf and the Qeshm Island

In this work, the screening of 147 microalgal strains from the Persian Gulf and the Qeshm Island (Iran) were done in order to choose the best ones, in terms of growth (biomass) rate and lipid content for biodiesel production. A methodology, combining experiments in lab-scale and pilot plant (open pond) used to produce and evaluate biomass and lipid productivity is presented for the systematic investigation of the potential of different microalgae species. The culture conditions, including photo flux (180 μE m−2 s−1), photoperiod (12 h light/dark), temperature (25 °C), pH (≈8), air (carbon dioxide) and growth medium, were kept constant for all experiments. Microalgae were screened in two stages using optical density (for evaluation of biomass concentration) and Nile red and gas chromatography (for determination of lipid content and fatty acid fractions). In general, maximum specific growth rate and the maximum biomass productivity were obtained after 8–12-day culture. Nannochloropsis sp. and Neochloris sp. were selected from the marine microalgal culture collection, due to their high biomass (50 and 21.7 g L−1, respectively) and oil content (52% and 46%, respectively). If the purpose is to produce biodiesel only from one species, Nannochloropsis sp. presented the most adequate fatty acid profile, namely linolenic and other polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the microalgae Chlorella sp. can also be used if associated with other microalgal oils. In addition, selected strains could be potent candidates for commercial production in the open pond culture.

► Microalgal strains from the Persian Gulf and the Qeshm Island (Iran) were studied.
► Lab-scale and pilot plant used to produce and evaluate biomass and lipid productivity.
► Maximum growth rate and biomass productivity were obtained after 8-12-day culture.
► Palmitic acid is the predominate fatty acid in the four selected microalgal strains.
► Species, Nannochloropsis sp. presented the most adequate fatty acid profile.