Indian Researchers Use Toxic Algal Bloom to Cultivate Algae with Biofuel Potential

Although algae are naturally occurring, excessive amounts of nutrients in a body of water can lead to algal blooms that cover the surface. Some algae produce toxins which are harmful to humans and wildlife, having a disruptive effect on marine environments. Scientists in India have studied ways in which toxic algal bloom can be used for cultivating Chlorella pyrenoidosa, a freshwater alga considered as a feedstock candidate for biofuel production.

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology used the toxic algal bloom as a low cost nutrient source for cultivating Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Various pretreatment methods, such as acid/alkali and autoclave/microwave were tested for preparing hydrolysates, were also tested for preparing hydrolysates.

It was found that acid autoclave hydrolysis method produced the maximum nitrogen, phosphate and carbon content, boosting the growth of the microalgal cells. The microalga grown in the media prepared through this method also showed enhanced lipid content and lipid productivity.