Resumen de Dinoflagellates and raphidophytes microalgal groups as feedstock for biodiesel production
The main objective of this thesis is to generate basic knowledge on the biomass and lipids production of two algal groups: Dinoflagellates and Raphidophytes, in order to use their biomass as feedstock for biodiesel production. Target species were those that usually form extensive proliferations in coastal Mediterranean basin, strains were conditioned to an enclosed system production (bcPBR) at indoor and outdoor conditions.
The specific objectives were:
1. A screening of different species of dinoflagellates and raphidophytes based on terms of their growth rate, biomass productivity, lipids productivity, lipids profile and lipids content in laboratory cultures and compared to other microalgal groups.
2. To provide specific knowledge in terms of wet biomass production, growth rates, quality and lipids concentration (total oil production) and triacylglicerides production in different strains of dinoflagellates and raphidophytes.
3. To compare the lipids profiles obtained in the dinoflagellate and raphidophytes strains tested, with those lipids profile of feedstocks (terrestrial plants) usually utilized in biodiesel production.
4. To identify and characterize the main abiotic parameters in the dinoflagellate and raphidophytes biomass cultures production, which trigger an increase of triacylglicerides in the microalgal cell tested.
5. To characterize the lipid profile and lipid production of the dinoflagellate and raphidophytes strains under environmental stress conditions.
6. To scale-up cultures of dinoflagellates and raphidophytes and establish the abiotic parameters that influence the growth rate, lipid and microalgae biomass production under controlled conditions (indoor) and natural conditions (outdoor).
7. To carry out a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and an Energetic Balance of marine dinoflagellates and raphidophytes biomass production for biodiesel generation in a bubble column photobioreactor (bcPBR) pilot plant.
8. To assess the environmental impact produced in a biomass pilot plant production to identify and suggest improvements in the process of microalgal biomass generation.
