Local bioprospecting for high-lipid producing microalgal strains to be grown on concentrated municipal wastewater for biofuel production

Mass cultivation of microalgae for biofuel production depends heavily on the performance of the microalgae strains used. In this study, 60 algae-like microorganisms collected from different sampling sites in Minnesota were examined using multi-step screening and acclimation procedures to select high-lipid producing facultative heterotrophic microalgae strains capable of growing on concentrated municipal wastewater (CMW) for simultaneous energy crop production and wastewater treatment. Twenty-seven facultative heterotrophic microalgae strains were found, among which 17 strains were proved to be tolerant to CMW. These 17 top-performing strains were identified through morphological observation and DNA sequencing as Chlorella sp., Heynigia sp., Hindakia sp., Micractinium sp., and Scenedesmus sp. Five strains were chosen for other studies because of their ability to adapt to CMW, high growth rates (0.455–0.498 d−1) and higher lipid productivities (74.5–77.8 mg L−1 d−1). These strains are considered highly promising compared with other strains reported in the literature.

► Mass cultivation of microalgae for biofuel production using municipal wastewater.
► Multi-step screening and acclimation to select high-lipid producing algal strains.
► Examination of 60 algae-like microorganisms collected in Minnesota.
► Twenty-seven strains proved to be able to perform facultative heterotrophic growth.
► Seventeen strains examined capable of growing in concentrated municipal wastewater.