Genetic identification of newmicroalgal species fromEpe Lagoon ofWest Africa accumulating high lipids
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Date
2017
Authors
Kunrunmi, O. A.
Adesalu, T. A.
Kumar, S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Abstract
The green microalgal strains are favorable alternatives for producing biodiesel. In spite of the worldwide awareness
on microalgae-derived oil to potentially replace the conventional fossil fuel, information on potential
microalgal strains from Nigerian lagoons is scarce. In view of this, environmental samples were collected from
the Epe Lagoon, Nigeria to assess the biodiversity of microalgae and identify robust strains for biodiesel production.
The field samples were collected and genomic DNA was isolated from the monoclonal cultures. Microalgal
species were identified based on the PCR amplified DNA sequences of 18S ribosomal DNA. The sequences of PCR
products fromthe unknown sampleswere comparedwith the DNA database. Using the phylogenetic maximumlikelihood
trees, the green algal strains Desmodesmus sp., Desmodesmus costato-granulatus, Tetradesmus sp. and
Chlorella sp. were identified, while two strains belonging to the Chlorococcaceae and Family Selenastraceae
need further validation. Microalgal species morphology was validated using electron microscopy. Lipid analysis
was carried out using Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAMEs) analysis, Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry
(GC–MS). The strain of the Family Selenastraceae produced the maximum amount of poly-unsaturated fatty
acids (56%), which has potential for food processing and other bio-based products; while Tetradesmus sp. with
35.16 mg (FAMEs per gram of dry cell weight) had a balanced lipid composition (44% saturated fatty acid, 39%
mono-unsaturated fatty acid, 15% poly-unsaturated fatty acids) making it a good candidate for exploitation as
a biodiesel feedstock.
Description
Keywords
Green algae , Genetic identification , Biodiesel , FAME , Renewable energy
Citation
Kunrunmi, O. A., Adesalu, T. A. and Kumar, S. (2017). Genetic identification of newmicroalgal species fromEpe Lagoon ofWest Africa accumulating high lipids. Algal Research 22: 68–78