Utilization of Lipid-Extracted Algae Cell Residue in Cultivation of Chlorellu vulguris for Biodiesel Production

Lipid-extracted algae (LEA) cell residue is generated as an organic solid waste in the process of biodiesel production from microalgae, and its recycling or reuse is important in the aspect of waste minimization. In this study, the influence of the addition of LEA hydrolysate to Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) cultivation on cell growth and biodiesel production was investigated to seek a possible use of LEA as a carbon source. LEA was hydrolyzed by three different methods: acid hydrolysis, autoclave, and ultra-sonication. The resulting hydrolysates were supplemented with three background media: formulated defined medium (BG-11), organic liquid fertilizer (PAL1), and distilled water. Both cell growth and lipid production of C. vulgaris were improved under mixotrophic cultivation. By supplementing hydrolysates, biomass productivity was increased several folds because the LEA hydrolysates contained monosaccharides such as glucose and galactose. Lipid contents and biodiesel productivity were bestly increased in PAL1 medium supplemented with ultrasonication (UL) hydrolysate, from 11 to 25% after 14 days, while nitrate concentration was quickly reduced from 55 to below 10 mg/L. The suggested recycling option of the LEA to microalgae cultivation was helpful to improve biodiesel productivity as well as to reduce organic waste generation.