The effects of ultraviolet radiation on growth, biomass, lipid accumulation and biodiesel properties of microalgae

The effect of UV light on growth, biomass, lipid accumulation and biodiesel properties of microalgae was studied. A Microalgae strain Chlorella sorokiniana UUIND6 was cultivated for 14 days as under LED light (Control) and microalgae were exposed to UV light (280-320 nm) in the middle of the photoperiod for 3 days. The growth rate of microalgae was analyzed by spectrophotometer and cell counting, while oil accumulation was analyzed by improved Nile red method. Results showed that microalgae under UV light treated algal cells showed less growth. FAMEs profile of UV treated algal cells mainly contains hexadecanoic acid (C16), stearic acid (C18) fatty acids. PUFA found in very less amount in UV treated cells as compared to control.