Bioflocculation of the oceanic microalga Dunaliella salina by the bloom-forming dinoflagellate Heterocapsa circularisquama, and its effect on biodiesel properties of the biomass

Bioresour Technol. 2016 Feb:202:257-61. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.12.047. Epub 2015 Dec 18.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the flocculation by the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa circularisquama as a means for harvesting three Chlorophyta species, Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis granulata, and Dunaliella salina. Relative fluorescence of D. salina culture significantly decreased along with 9.3-fold increased flocculation activity within 24 h when mixed with H. circularisquama. Lipid content of bioflocculated D. salina increased about 40%, while fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles exhibited higher levels of C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1, compared to harvest by centrifugation, suggesting higher energy content. Furthermore, bioflocculated D. salina biomass had more suitable biodiesel properties relative to both EN14214 and ASTMD6751, with a cetane number of 49.0 and an iodine value of 95.9. These results suggest that H. circularisquama-induced bioflocculation is applicable for the sustainable and qualitative production of algal biodiesel.

Keywords: Biodiesel; Dunaliella; Flocculation; Heterocapsa; Microalgae.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aquaculture / methods
  • Biofuels*
  • Biomass*
  • Chlorella vulgaris / metabolism
  • Chlorophyta / metabolism*
  • Dinoflagellida / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Flocculation
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Microalgae / metabolism
  • Oceans and Seas

Substances

  • Biofuels
  • Fatty Acids
  • Lipids