Calorific values of Chlorella vulgaris (Trebouxiophyceae) as a function of different phosphorus concentrations. Issue 4 (10th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chia, Mathias Ahii; Lombardi, Ana Teresa; Gama Melão, Maria da Graça
• Is Part Of: Phycological research. Volume 61:Issue 4(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 291
• Publication Date: 2013-07-10
• Subjects: Algae -- Japan -- Periodicals; Algae -- Periodicals; 579.8
• DOI: 10.1111/pre.12026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1322-0829

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Summary</title> <p>Quantification of the calorific content of microalgae is critical in studies of energy flow, trophic partitioning, plant/herbivore interactions in aquaculture and biomass production for biofuels. We investigated the calorific value and biochemical composition of <italic>Chlorella vulgaris</italic> at different phosphorus (P) concentrations (6.0 × 10⁻⁷, 2.3 × 10⁻⁶ and 2.3 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ P). As expected, the control (2.3 × 10⁻⁴ mol L⁻¹ P) supported better growth than P limited treatments. Biomolecules like total carbohydrates and lipids accumulated under P limitation, which significantly correlated with high calorific values. Lipid class composition showed that triacylglycerols were the most accumulated under P limited conditions. The calorific value reported under control conditions (13.78 kJ g⁻¹) was less than those obtained under P limitation (30.47–33.07 kJ g⁻¹). The highest calorific value with less growth retardation was obtained at 2.3 × 10⁻⁶ mol L⁻¹ P.</p> </abstract>