Biodiesel production potential of oleaginous Rhodococcus opacusgrown on biomass gasification wastewater

This study examined the valorization of biomass gasification wastewater (BGWW) for lipids accumulation by Rhodococcus opacus and potential biodiesel application. Using synthetic mineral media based BGWW, the bacterium accumulated a maximum 65.8% (w/w) of lipids. 10% (v/v) inoculum size showed a more positive effect than 5% (v/v) inoculum size on both the 'chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and lipid accumulation by R. opacus. Using the raw wastewater (untreated), the bacterium accumulated 54.3% (w/w) lipid with a wastewater COD removal efficiency of 64%. However, these values were further enhanced to 62.8% (w/w) and 74%, respectively, following supplementation of the wastewater with mineral salt media in the ratio 4:1. H-1 and C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analyses of the accumulated lipids revealed the presence of more saturated fatty acids than unsaturated fatty acids. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the accumulated lipids showed four thermal decomposition regions each with a good stability. Transesterification of the bacterial lipids to biodiesel and its properties revealed a very good potential of the strain for the production of biodiesel from PAH containing wastewater. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.