Isolation and identification of a salt-tolerant Coelastrum sp. and exploration of its potential for biodiesel production.

ABSTRACT

Given the escalating demand for renewable biofuels amidst the continual consumption of fossil energy, the exploration and identification of microalgal strains for biodiesel production have become crucial. In this study, a microalgal strain named HDMA-12 was isolated from Lake Chenjiadayuan in China to evaluate its biodiesel potential. Phylogenetic analysis of its internal transcribed spacer sequences revealed HDMA-12 as a new molecular record in the genus Coelastrum. When cultivated in BG11 basal medium, HDMA-12 achieved a biomass of 635.7 mg L-1 and a lipid content of 26.4%. Furthermore, the fatty acid methyl ester profile of HDMA-12 exhibited favorable combustion characteristics. Subjected to 200 mM NaCl stress, HDMA-12 reached its maximum biomass of 751.5 mg L-1 and a lipid content of 28.9%. These findings indicate the promising prospects of HDMA-12 as a promising microalgal strain for further advancements in biodiesel production.