Biomass generated from microalgae species has many potential in producing high
value product. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that grow in almost any aquatic environment
and use light and carbon dioxide (CO2) to create biomass. Algae can be used to generate energy in
several ways. One of the most efficient ways is through the utilization of the algal oils to produce
biodiesel. The water samples were collected from ponds located at the Department of Fisheries and
Aquaculture of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria (FUTA) and a pond in Oda
Road, Akure in Ondo State, Nigeria. Microbiological analyses were carried out on the water
samples collected from the ponds using standard techniques. Microalgae were cultured and identified
in the laboratory using a microscope, identification keys and algae compendium. The growth rate,
temperature and pH were monitored. The microalgal count for FUTA was 4.41 ± 0.85a CFU/ml
while that of Oda road was 5.69 ± 0.71a. CFU/ml. Seven (7) microalgae were identified and they are:
Chlorella sp., Euglena sp., Nannochloropsis sp., Botryococcus sp., Oscillatoria sp., Botrydiopsis
sp. and Characium sp. The growth rates estimated were observed to increase from day 6 to 10 with
the maximum peak at day 8. The pH and temperature values on microalgal growth ranged from 7.0
to 8.29 and 23 oC to 32oC respectively.
Keywords: Isolation, identification, growth rate, cultivation and biodiesel production
PAPER TITLE :ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MICROALGAE FROM FRESH WATER
JOURNAL Of SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY | VOLUME 9 NUMBER 1 2018
Paper Details
- Author(s) : OYEWUMI, O.O. and OLUKUNLE, O.F.
- Abstract:
