Effects of simulated flue gas on components of Scenedesmus raciborskii WZKMT

• S. raciborskii WZKMT cultured with simulated flue gas was investigated.
• Total sugar, starch, chlorophyll, protein and lipid were determined.
• Growth and carbohydrate was inhibited, chlorophyll, protein, lipid were improved.
• The starch content and yield could attain to 53.16% and 1727.83 mg L−1 with 7% CO2.
• Fatty acids composition showed no significant change with simulated flue gas.

Scenedesmus raciborskii WZKMT cultured with simulated flue gas was investigated. Cellular components, including total sugar, starch, chlorophyll, protein and lipid, were compared between simulated flue gas and 7% (v/v) CO2. Dissolution of SO2 and NO in simulated flue gas led to pH decrease and toxicity to microalgae cells. Furthermore, the death or aging of microalgae cells reduced the buffer capacity and caused decrease of simulated flue gas absorption. With 7% CO2, the highest total sugar and starch content could attain to 66.76% and 53.16%, respectively, which indicated S. raciborskii WZKMT is a desired feedstock candidate for bioethanol production. Microalgae growth and starch accumulation was inhibited, while cells produced more chlorophyll, protein and lipid when simulated flue gas was the carbon source. Fatty acids composition analysis indicated that there was no significant distinction on fatty acids relative content (fatty acid/TFA) between cells aerated using simulated flue gas and 7% CO2.