Effect of Glucose and Nitrogen Variation on the Production of Biomass and Lipids in a Colombian Strain of Parachlorella Sp. Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of growing media composition with different concentrations of glucose (5, 10, and 15 g/l) and sodium nitrate (0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/l) on biomass and lipids production in a native Colombian strain of Parachlorella sp. It was found that glucose concentrations of 10 and 15 g/l led to higher biomass production, with a growth rate of 0.09 h^-1. Likewise, a higher lipid concentration was observed when the concentration of sodium nitrate was reduced (0.5 g/l), reaching a maximum accumulation of 17% (0.860 g/l). The analysis of the composition of the bio-oil revealed the predominance of palmitic (46.90%) and oleic (39.05%) fatty acids. These results highlight the potential of a native Colombian strain Parachlorella sp. for biodiesel production, and the significant influence of the concentrations of carbon and nitrogen sources in biomass and lipids yield.