The Future of Biofuel Sustainability: Lipid Production in Microbial Strains Explored by GC-MS Technique

Abstract

Background Microalgae helps purify wastewater and make energy. Assimilation of wastewater removes nitrogen and phosphorus from aquatic habitats. Biofuel, feedstock, fertilizers, and cosmetics benefit from their lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Cheap, efficient culture methods like linked microalgae aquaculture are growing in favor. Chlorella, Botryococcus, Chlorococcum, and Scenedesmus are lipid-producing microalgae with particular properties for biodiesel and nutraceuticals. Aims The research examined how temperature, light intensity, and pH affect lipid accumulation in four microalgal taxa to improve lipid synthesis. Methodology: To evaluate lipid production in microbial strain grown on BG-11 medium under different environmental conditions for 28 days. Variables included light intensity (3, 4, and 5 Klux), temperature (25 ± 2, 30 ± 2, 35 ± 20°C), and pH (6.0, 6.5, and 7.3). Each experiment had three dry-weight lipid sample processing replications. GC was used for fatty acid profiling. At certain temperatures, compounds were profiled on an HP-5MS column using helium as the carrier gas. Results Botryococcus, Chlorococcum, Chlorella, and Scenedesmus microalgal strains were examined for lipid production, fatty acid profile, and chemical component profile. Temperature, light, and pH impact lipid production. Temperature determined Botryococcus sp.'s maximum lipid production. Chlorella sp. produces lipids at all temperatures but benefits from light. High pH boosts lipid production in all strains. Statistical studies emphasize treatment-strain interactions because they affect results. Different strains have important and negligible fatty acids. Palmitic acid differentiates Botryococcus sp. microalgae contain hydrocarbon and fatty acid methyl esters. Conclusion The research examined the lipid production of four microalgal genera Chlorella, Botryococcus, Chlorococcum, and Scenedesmus at different temperatures and cultures. Better lipid synthesis parameters enhanced biofuel output and sustainability. The most lipid-rich microalgal strain was Botryococcus sp. at different temperatures, light intensities, and pH.