Algae Strain Growth and Cultivation for Biodiesel

Abstract

Microalgal lipids are the oils of future for sustainable biodiesel production. However, relatively high production costs due to low lipid productivity can become one of the major obstacles impeding their commercial production. We recently studied the bioreactor options for cultivating alga and also the advantages and drawbacks of each option. It also discussed the effects of various parameters on algae growth and production and the cost estimates on bioreactor chosen. The successful coupling between chemical, physiology and technology is central to the success of algal biotechnology. Our literature studies strongly indicate that in the long term the photobioreactor systems offer the most profitable route for bio-fuel production, if they can be reduced in cost. This is because they offer the advantage due to reduced land use, high productivity rates over open pond systems and reduced contamination. Several optimal parameters to consider when cultivating algae strain are temperature (18-24 0C), salinity (20-24 g.l-1), light intensity (2,500-5,000 lux), photoperiod that is light: dark, hours (16:8 minimum and 24:0 maximum) and pH (8.2-8.7).