Effect of different iron sources on sustainable microalgae-based biodiesel production using Auxenochlorella protothecoides

In this study, iron sources and their optimum concentrations for high-quality biodiesel production were determined on Auxenochlorella protothecoides microalgae. Three iron compounds—ferrous sulfate, ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and ferric chloride—were assessed regarding concentration, specific growth rate, lipid, and lipid quality in relation to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) composition of microalgal biomass. Auxenochlorella protothecoides demonstrated high resistivity to high concentrations of iron species, still showing an ability to grow in the presence of iron concentrations as high as 21.60 mM. The highest saturated fatty acid (SFA), at 78.5% of FAME, was observed at 1.15 mM ferric chloride, and the highest biomass generation was observed at 1.08 mM ferrous sulfate. In addition, biodiesel and diesel fuel qualities were satisfactory with microalgae cultivated at 0.2 and 14.4 mM ferrous sulfate, 7.19 mM ferric EDTA, and 0.07–21.58 mM ferric chloride concentrations. The former may be more practical, since the use of this iron compound gives the desired result in a broader range. Overall, it can be inferred that high-quality lipid and biodiesel production can be obtained by changing the concentrations and sources of iron compounds.