Microwave Treatment for High Lipid Production in Scenedesmus Obliquus

Abstract

Microalgae with high oil content are only alternative for decreasing fossil fuel supplies, but more work remains to be done to improve the lipid content of microalgae strains. In this study, strain improvement is done using microwave radiation in Scenedesmus obliquus to increase the production of triacylglycerol, which is the main source of biodiesel. Microalgal culture were exposure to varied microwave irradiation over different time periods. Maximum increase of 2.22-fold in biomass and 2.5-fold in triacylglycerol was observed for microwave irradiation of 25mins and 20mins respectively. The percentage of some monounsaturated fatty acids increased in gas chromatographic examination of neutral lipid fractions from total lipids of microwave irradiated samples, which is considered as one of the preferable properties of biodiesel.