Screening of micro algae for Growth and lipid accumulation properties

Selection of appropriate native species/strains of micro algae that work well in local conditions is imperative for a viable algae-based biofuel production system. We have identified and isolated native predominant algal species of Himachal Pradesh India, which can serve as starting material for strain development. Chlorella sp. was dominant in most of the sample collections followed by Scenedesmus quadricauda and Scenedesmus dimorphus. The uni-algal culture were established and characterized for growth and lipid production potential. Overall biomass yield and biomass productivity of all the species was less when cultured in BG-11 medium compared to BG11+0.1%urea indicating urea can be used as an alternative nitrogen source for commercial-scale cultivation which is cheaper and easily available. Scenedesmus dimorphus produced highest lipid content while Scenedesmus quadricauda was less productive. Different isolates of Chlorella sp. were characterized for growth and lipid accumulation potential under normal growth conditions to understand variation for these traits so that Chlorella sp. Isolates with the best combination of lipid content, biomass and lipid productivity can be identified.