Nagwa G-E Mohammady1, Heba S. El-Sayed2, Hala M. Taha2, Eman M. Fakhry1,
Nairouz H. Mahmoud1, Jihan H. Mohamed1, and Liena M. Mekawy1

ABSTRACT

An integral lab study of Med-algae project was done on Chlorella sp. to examine its potential as a feedstock for biodiesel production, and the feasibility to use the delipidated cell ruminants for by-products as well. Chlorella sp. was cultivated in 25L Flat Panel Photobioreactor under best growth conditions. The highest growth activity was observed during the period from July to September, 2014, when the algal oil and many other valuable compounds were also extracted. The maximum cell dry wt. was 4g/l and the growth rate was 2/day at pH, 8.5; nitrate, 0.4g/l; salinity 45g/l; and dilution, 30%. The given results showed that ashes content was 4 mg/l, chlorophyll a was 10.47 mg/l, and the carotenoids were 6.12 mg/l. In addition, lipid content was 20% of the dry wt. Oil characterization was studied based on its acid value, saponification value, and the molecular weight. Detailed analysis of fatty acid composition and characterization of biodiesel are provided. However, in delipidated algal cells, the amounts of protein and carbohydrate were 100.50 mg/l and 15.5mg/l respectively. Analysis of amino acid pool indicated the presence of 13 fractions, mostly are essential fractions with appropriate amounts. This study represents a trend driving Chlorella sp.-based bio-refinery into economical production. *This study has been organized on the basis of a submitted lab scale research component of Med-algae project. Key Words: Biodiesel, By-Products, Chlorella sp.