Oil assessment ofHalamphora coffeaeformisdiatom growing in a hybrid two-stage system for biodiesel production

MARTIN L. A.; DAMIANI M.C.; POPOVICH C.A.; LEONARDI P.I.; MARTÍNEZ ANA MARÍA

RENEWABLE ENERGY

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2016 vol. 92 p. 127 - 135

0960-1481

The lipid content, composition and productivity of the marine benthic diatomHalamphora coffeaeformis were studied in order to evaluate its potential as feedstock for biodiesel production. Cultures were carried out in two stages: I) in photobioreactors (PBRs) to increase the biomass as inoculum for largervolumes, and II) in raceway ponds to increase naturally the triacylglycerol (TAG) content during the stationary growth phase. Biomass concentrations of 0.64 g/L and 0.23 g/L were reached in the PBR and the raceway pond, respectively. Total lipid content was 54.4 (±11.6) % ash free dry weight (AFDW) inthe raceway pond on day 19 (harvest day), with a neutral lipid content of 34% AFDW. The TAG productivity in the raceway pond was 1.2 mg L1d1. The indicators of biodiesel, calculated from fatty acidprofile composition, showed that H. coffeaeformisoil was of good quality, according to internationalstandards. Some hypothetical aspects are proposed in order to improve lipid productivity and net energyratio in processes at larger scales.