Characterization of growth and lipid production by Chlorella sp. PCH90, a microalga native to Quebec.
Microalgae are being investigated as potential candidates for biodiesel production since they can be grown without competition with food production, have an inherently fast growth rate, and can have a high lipid content under different nutrient limiting conditions. However, large scale production will best be carried out with indigenous strains, well adapted to local conditions. This study reports on the characterization of the novel microalga Chlorella sp. PCH90, isolated in Quebec. Its molecular phylogeny was established and lipid production studies as a function of the initial concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and sodium chloride were carried out using response surface methodology. Under the appropriate conditions this microalga could produce up to 36% lipid and grew well in both synthetic medium and secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant at both 22 and 10°C. Thus, this strain is promising for further development as a potential biofuels producer under local climatic conditions.
Département de Microbiologie, Infectologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, CP 6128 Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.
Ahmed Elsayed Mohamed
AE
Abdelaziz
Département de Microbiologie, Infectologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, CP 6128 Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.
Dipankar
D
Ghosh
Département de Microbiologie, Infectologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, CP 6128 Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada. Electronic address: patrick.hallenbeck@umontreal.ca.
Patrick C
PC
Hallenbeck
D018533:Biomass; D002708:Chlorella / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D008055:Lipids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D058086:Microalgae / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects; D009566:Nitrates / Q000494:pharmacology; D010710:Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology; D010802:Phylogeny; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D011792:Quebec; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology
D008055:Lipids; D009566:Nitrates; D010710:Phosphates; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D012965:Sodium Chloride; C031618:sodium nitrate; C013216:potassium phosphate
Biodiesel; Biomass productivity; Lipid content; Lipid productivity; Phylogeny