Microalgae with Higher Lipid Content from Backwaters
A team of researchers from Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), India, has isolated microalgae capable of producing biodiesel. The microalgae named Prymnesium parvum has high content phosphates and nitrates, and is found in the backwaters of Cochin.
Source Credit-Times of India
The Prymnesium parvum contains 26% of lipids, and can be grown in mass production systems without contamination. The oil from this alga has properties within the ASTM D6751-02 standards for biodiesel. About 15-20% of a biofuel is the bio-content and the rest is petrol or diesel. The major challenge is collection and bringing of algae as they die when moved out of their environment. Further study on the genetics behind the oil content is under progress.
