Potential of microalgae oil from Dunaliella tertiolecta as a feedstock for biodiesel

Alternative, non-food based biomass fuel feedstock development is vital for our national security, economy and the environment. Microalgae are among the most promising of these alternatives. Microalgal cell growth rates and metabolic products are affected by a combination of environmental parameters. In this work, the influences of light source, light intensity, CO2 concentration, and photoperiod on the growth of Dunaliella tertiolecta (D. tertiolecta) were studied. The effects of these environmental parameters on the lipid content and fatty acid composition of D. tertiolecta were also investigated. Red light-emitting diodes (LEDs), white LEDs, and fluorescent lights were all found to be effective for algal growth. Increasing light intensity resulted in significantly more rapid algal growth, and increasing the period of light also significantly increased biomass productivity. Similar growth rates were observed for 2%, 4%, and 6% CO2-concentrations. The different light sources and intensities were found to have no significant effect on FAME composition of D. tertiolecta. Methyl linolenate and methyl palmitate were found to be the major components of FAME produced from D. tertiolecta oil. D. tertiolecta and its derived oils should be a suitable feedstock for biofuel production.