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Abstract Detail



Phycological Section

Jones, Angiela [1], Lemay, Katie [2], Dr. Zimba, Paul [2].

Optimizing Media Composition for Algal Biofuel Production .

Algal biofuels are an alternative resource that will reduce the world’s dependence on transportation fuels obtained from petroleum energy. The media used for the production of biofuels is expensive, with nutrients supplied at higher concentrations than required for maximal algal growth. The project’s goal is to maximize growth of Nannochloropsis salina by manipulating the nutrient concentrations of NO3-, PO4-3, SO4- 2, Mg+2, K+ in 21 different formulations of BG11-30 ppt salinity. Triplicate cultures of each treatment were normalized using media blanks. Culture absorbance was measured daily for 19-days and normalized to cell counts by regression. The top six performers based on biomass accumulation were analyzed for selective production of total lipid and fatty acids. Total lipid content ranged from 7.5-14.9%, with the highest and lowest concentrations being significantly different than the intermediate values. Total fatty acids were not significantly different between treatments. The media responsible for the highest lipid content contained 67% of the nitrogen, 55% of the calcium, and 73% of the potassium concentration of the original media. Media made with these reduced concentrations of nutrients would provide a cost-savings of >43% compared to standard media. [This is study was funded by TAMUCC’s Center for Coastal Studies, EERE/Savannah River National Laboratory, and the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation].

Broader Impacts:


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1 - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Center for Coastal Studies, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5866, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA
2 - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5866, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, United States

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PPC004
Abstract ID:701
Candidate for Awards:None


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