Effect of nitrogen : iron ratio on growth and lipid production of green alga, Scenedesmus dimorphus

Abstract

The ratio of nitrogen (N) to iron (Fe) on growth and lipid accumulation of Scenedesmus dimorphus
was studied during outdoor cultivation. The experiment was performed as factorial design (5x5) with 5
concentrations of nitrogen (KNO₃) and iron (FeSO₄.7H₂O) as followed; 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 times. The
concentration of N and Fe in Chlorella medium was used as the control (1.0 times N and Fe). The maximum
biomass of S. dimorphus was 3.40±0.38 g/L when it was cultivated in N:Fe 0.5:0.1 times. The maximum
lipid content 30.48±0.85 % was obtains in alga under N:Fe 2.0:1.0 times.The maximum lipid yield (0.83±0.05
g/L) and lipid productivity (22.79±1.19 g/L/d) were obtained in alga under N:Fe 2.0:2.0 and 2.0:0.1 times,
respectively. The result showed the interaction of nitrogen and iron on specific growth rate, biomass, lipid
content and lipid productivity of S. dimorphus. The present study indicated S. dimorphus is high lipid
productivity, which can be used as an potential source for biodiesel production.