Promising lipid source for biodiesel production from Desmodesmus sp. RMUO8 (Sphaeropleales: Scenedesmaceae)

Abstract

Desmodesmus sp. RMUO8 strain was isolated from a freshwater pond. Identification was performed using physiological and molecular approaches determined by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis. The obtained DNA sequences were analyzed and identified by comparison with deposited sequences on NCBI. Based on BLAST searches against the GenBank database, these sequences were identical to Desmodesmus communis JQ922412, JX101322, JX101325 and JX101323 (99%). Gas chromatography analysis revealed that Desmodesmus communis RMUO8 contained unsaturated fatty acids including oleic and linoleic acid (47.03 and 16.76%), respectively, of total percent content. Thus, RMUO8 biomass could be used as a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production.