Isolation and screening of microalgae from agro-industrial wastewater (POME) for biomass and biodiesel sources

Indigenous microalgae (KR349061) were isolated from the agro-industrial wastewater and screened in order to determine their potential for biomass and biodiesel sources. Bold’s Basal Medium was used to isolate the colonies from sample. The nutrient contents were altered in order to optimize the growth of the microalgae. The isolates were identified based on the morphology and microscopic appearance of the isolated colonies. It was seen that the isolates comprised of several common green microalgae and cyanobacteria, among which the ideal candidate was selected and further investigated. Lipid content was determined for the strains that showed rapid growth. The results showed that Chlamydomonas incerta achieved highest lipid content of biomass (42.6%) after 2 d, also highest lipid productivity of 0.197 mg/L/d was observed when the initial COD concentration was 500 mg/L. C. incerta also showed higher growth rate and higher amount of lipid was examined for its potential as sustainable biodiesel feedstock along with its higher biomass yield.