Isolation and screening of microalgal species, native to Zimbabwe, with potential use in biodiesel production

Microalgae are increasingly being preferred as sustainable biomass feedstock for biofuels production due to their high growth rate and lipid yield. However, optimal requires the use of economical native microalgal species which well adapted local climatic ecological conditions. Therefore, this study’s main objective was isolate select prospective production. Serial dilution streak plate techniques were used four species: Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Oscillatoria Microcystis from Manyame River, Zimbabwe. The isolates evaluated productivity under artificial lighting (8:16 h light/dark cycle) a temperature 25 ± 3°C. Lipid quantification done gravimetrically, using hexane an extraction solvent. Each isolate’s performance compared against that imported Chlorella vulgaris strain. Amongst isolates, sp. exhibited highly competitive 0.26 d−1 yield 37.16% dry cell weight. In comparison, C. had 0.226 35.74% Although findings suggest is ideal candidate, enhancement genetic engineering may be further improve its