Vol. 11, Issue 9 (2022)

Author(s):
Shikha Mehta, Monika Kayasth, Kamla Malik, Sushil Nagar and Raveena Kargwal

Abstract:
Microalgae are considered as potential feed stocks for biofuel production and are gaining much attention as a promising source for lipid production. The present study was aimed at the collection as well as screening of microalgae for their ability to accumulate lipids in their cells. Six microalgal water samples were collected from different locations of Haryana. The samples were analyzed for pH, EC (Electrical conductivity), salinity and turbidity by using the standard procedures. The pH of different algal water samples varied from 7.72 to 8.53 and electrical conductivity from 0.48 to 2.20 dSm^-1. Salinity was analyzed by determining the anions and Cations: CO₃^2-, Cl^-, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and HCO₃. The turbidity of algal samples varied from 38.5 to 75.0%. Enrichment of algal samples was carried out in Erlenmeyer conical flasks containing BG-11 broth using various concentration of dairy waste (whey). Growth of algal samples was determined by measuring optical density at 660 nm at regular time interval. The maximum biomass was produced by isolate KMA-1 i.e. 4.85 g/L in BG-11 medium supplemented with 30% whey. Fluorescence Microscopy that was used to screen the microalgal isolates for the presence of lipids indicated maximum lipid in the isolate KMA-1 on the basis of yellow fluorescence.