Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella vulgaris – A Prospective Algal Fuel Source

Abstract

In recent years, the prospective use of algae as an alternate fuel source for petroleum-based fuels has increased drastically. It has been researched extensively and proven that it can be used as a sustainable feedstock for producing green energy considering environmental safety. This article focused on the economically viable algal feedstock for the production of lipid content for its use as a feedstock for biodiesel production. For this purpose, the algal species Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella vulgaris were selected, and it was grown under lab and open ambient conditions with two Blue green Medium (BG-11) and Bold Basal medium (BBM). Upon the yield, it was noticed that the BG-11 medium gave optimum lipid yield for both species. Hence, it was determined that through this medium higher lipid yield can be expected, and based on the GC-MS result it was notified that it can be a viable source of alternate fuel.