Characteristics of tropical freshwater microalgae Micractinium conductrix, Monoraphidium sp. and Choricystis parasitica, and their potency as biodiesel feedstock

The depletion of fossil fuel reserves requires advance anticipation through the search for alternative energy from renewable natural resources. Microalgae have been known as potential organisms for biodiesel feedstock. However, in order to be developed on a large scale, microalgae must have superior traits so that further development becomes more comfortable and cheaper. Tropical lakes are a source of superior microalgae adapted to moderate conditions which can later save operational costs in large-scale production. Situ Gintung and Situ Pamulang are the two largest lakes in South Tangerang, Indonesia and are potential sources of microalgae. Four microalgae isolates from both lakes have been identified, and their potential has been examined. Within an observation period of 18 days, they showed similar growth patterns reaching more than 10(8) cells mL(−1) on day 14 and were able to resist increasing pH. The microalgae were identified through morphological observations and the sequencing of 23S rRNA genes with phylogenetic analysis. Each strain has a positive quality. Isolate G4-3, which was identified as Micractinium conductrix, and P5-4, which was identified as Monoraphidium sp., yielded biomass that exceeded 1.2 g L(−1) with lipid content exceeding 60%. Likewise, G4-9, which was also identified as Micractinium conductrix, and P2-15, which was identified as Choricystis parasitica, have lipid content which accounted for 89.10% and 57.48%, respectively; although their biomass was lower. The percentage of fatty acid methyl esters of the four microalgae achieved >60–80%; thus, meeting the standard of biodiesel properties. Therefore, the microalgae isolates have great potential for being developed as biodiesel feedstock.