Lipid productivity as a key characteristic for choosing algal species for biodiesel production

Griffiths, Melinda J; Harrison, Susan T L

Lipid productivity as a key characteristic for choosing algal species for biodiesel production

Journal Article

2009

Journal Title

Journal of Applied Phycology

Link to Journal

http://link.springer.com/journal/10811

Publisher

Springer

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Abstract

Microalgae are a promising alternative source of lipid for biodiesel production. One of the most important decisions is the choice of species to use. High lipid productivity is a key desirable characteristic of a species for biodiesel production. This paper reviews information available in the literature on microalgal growth rates, lipid content and lipid productivities for 55 species of microalgae, including 17 Chlorophyta, 11 Bacillariophyta and five Cyanobacteria as well as other taxa. The data available in the literature are far from complete and rigorous comparison across experiments carried out under different conditions is not possible. However, the collated information provides a framework for decision-making and a starting point for further investigation of species selection. Shortcomings in the current dataset are highlighted. The importance of lipid productivity as a selection parameter over lipid content and growth rate individually is demonstrated.