Determination of Optimal Temperature of Nannochloropsis Oculata Microalgae for Biofuel Production (Biodiesel)

One of the promising sources for biodiesel production and lowering energy crisis is microalgae lipid and attracted much attention in recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate the Effect of temperature on the Lipid productivity as factors affecting biodiesel economic performance. Microalgae Nannochloropsis Oculata in Walne medium and seven different temperatures were cultured. Cell growth on a daily basis by measuring the cell density was determined by spectrophotometry. Biomass production and lipid accumulation of microalgae in the late of stationary growth phase measurements and constituents were identified by gas chromatography. By Standards، quality of oil extracted from microalgae for biodiesel production، was determined by iodine values. The results show that the maximum specific growth rate and biomass production of microalgae at 20 and 25 degrees. And the highest percentage of biomass conversion into lipid occurred at 30 degrees. Maximum lipid productivity at three temperatures 15، 20 and 25 degrees، but the analysis of fatty acids in the three temperature shows that maximum triglycerides accumulation in microalgae cells at 20 and 25 degrees. At Nannochloropsis Oculata cultivation، the optimal temperature range for maximum efficiency lipids to biodiesel production is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.