Effect of photoautotrophic and heteroautotrophic conditions on growth and lipid production in Chlorella vulgaris cultured in industrial wastewater with the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis

The photoautotrophic co-culture of Chlorella vulgaris and the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis (MP culture) from industrial wastewater was investigated. Cell numbers, biomass, lipid production, and fatty acid content were measured. Owing to co-culture interaction with yeast and microalgae, the MP culture resulted in the highest number of cells (27.73 x 10(5) cells mL(-1)) and biomass (0.808 g L-1). Lipid production in the MP culture (117.73 mg L-1) was fourfold higher than that in the photoautotrophic pure culture (23.1 mg L-1). The content of palmitic acid (C16:0) was 24.65%, whereas that of oleic acid (C18:1) was 56.34% in the MP culture, which was higher than in other cultures. The results of this study indicate that MP cultures can be used to effectively support the growth of microorganisms and as an approach for biodiesel production.