Modulation of lipid content and lipid profile by supplementation of iron, zinc, and molybdenum in indigenous microalgae.

The effects of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and molybdenum (Mo) on the biomass yield, lipid content, lipid yield, and fatty acid composition of Chlorella sp. NC-MKM, Graesiella emersonii NC-M1, Scenedesmus acutus NC-M2, and Chlorophyta sp. NC-M5 were studied. Among them, G. emersonii NC-M1 recorded the highest percentage increase in lipid content (140.3%) and neutral lipid (50.9%) under Zn-supplemented condition compared to the control. Also, it showed a 105% and 41.88% increase in lipid yield and neutral lipid under Fe-supplemented condition compared to the control. However, Chlorella sp. NC-MKM recorded an elevation in lipid yield (70.3% rise) and neutral lipid (24.32% rise) compared to the control in Mo-supplemented condition. The enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD and POD) under Fe-, Zn-, and Mo-supplemented condition supports the lipid accumulation. FAME analysis showed that the overall percentage of SFA and MUFA increased after the addition of Fe, Zn, and Mo in a culture medium compared to the control which is vital for a good-quality biodiesel. Further, biodiesel properties derived from FAMEs such as CN, SV, IV, CFPP, OS, υ, ρ, and HHV were found in accordance with biodiesel standard.