Possibilities of micro algae Nanachloropsis sp. used as a renewable energy source under local conditions

Abstract

Bioenergy is one of the most important components to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and a substitute of fossil fuels. Biomass is one of the better sources of energy. Algae are one of the best sources of biodiesel. In fact algae are the highest yielding feedstock for biodiesel. It can produce up to 250 times the amount of oil per acre as soybeans. Biodiesel, bioethanol and biohydrogen, are popular alternative sources for fossil fuel which can be produced from algae. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate the possibilities of biofuel production from micro algae; Nanachloropsis sp. The pure culture of micro algae; Nanachloropsis sp. was cultured in the Guillared and Ryther’s modified F medium. Harvestable algae yield was estimated and oil content was measured using Soxhlet method.  The experiment was replicated three times.

The dry matter yield of algae under laboratory condition was observed as 0.3775 g/L. The harvestable dry matter yield of the Nanachloropsis sp. was estimated as 1132.5 kg per hectare per harvesting cycle in a 30 cm depth pond. A harvesting cycle is 4 times/months (7days long cycle) and approximately 54,360 kg harvests can be made within a year.  The oil content of Nanachloropsis sp. was found to be as 12.73% (d.b.). Therefore the estimated oil yield is 144.2 kg/ha/harvesting cycle.

Therefore, the micro algae, Nanachloropsis sp. has a high potential to extract algae oil which can be utilized for production of biodiesel. Guillared and Ryther’s modified F medium is suitable for growing this species under local conditions.