Cultivation of green alga Botryococcus braunii in raceway, circular ponds under outdoor conditions and its growth, hydrocarbon production

The present study focused on cultivation, seasonal variation in growth, hydrocarbon production, fatty acids profiles of Botryococcus braunii (LB-572 and N-836) in raceway & circular ponds under outdoor conditions. After 18 days of cultivation the biomass yield and hydrocarbon contents were increased in both raceway and circular ponds. The fat content was found to be around 24% (w/w) with palmitic and oleic acids as prominent fatty acids. Hydrocarbons of C-20-C-30 carbon chain length were higher in raceway and circular ponds. Maximum biomass yield (2 g L-1) and hydrocarbon content (28%) were observed in Nov-Dec. In case of B. braunii (N-836) after 25 days of cultivation the biomass yield was 1 g L-1 and hydrocarbon content was 27%. Supplementation of 0.1% NaHCO3 in the medium resulted in biomass yield of 1.5 g L-1 and hydrocarbon content of 30% compared to control. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.