Evaluation of natural mixed micro-algal blooms as potential feedstock for biodiesel production.

Microalgae are promising source to produce biodiesel. Usually, uni-algal cultures selected for specific characters are used. This contribution evaluates the potential of natural mixed micro-algal blooms as feedstock to produce biodiesel. Three naturally evolved autochthonous micro-algal blooms and two Chlorella strains were firstly tested at laboratory scale and then scaled-up in raceway open-ponds and photobioreactors. Lipids were extracted from the dried algal biomass and subsequently acid catalysed transesterification was carried out. The most represented fatty acids were myristic, palmitic, and palmitoleic. Mixed micro-algal populations can be considered for producing biodiesel. Culture optimization in large scale production, such as CO2 input, is needed to produce higher quantity of biomass.