Isolation and Morphological identification of fast-Growing Microalgal Species with High Biomass Productivity

Abstract

Microalgae have been recognised as a valuable renewable source of bioenergy because of their rapid growth rates, high photosynthetic efficiency, and high capacity for biomass production. This work is focused on the identification and isolation of rapidly growing microalgal species with high biomass productivity from natural water bodies. Samples of algae were taken from different locations and processed using microbiological techniques that allow for enrichment, isolation, and purification. Pure cultures of microalgae were obtained in laboratory settings using BG-11 medium. Identification of isolated species was done based on morphological characteristics with the help of a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The assessment of growth kinetics comprised the measurement of optical density at 750 nm (OD₇₅₀), while the biomass determination method was based on the technique of dry cell weight (DCW). The specific growth rate (µ) and biomass productivity were quantified to assess variations in growth performance among the isolates.  The results of the study demonstrated that this work has successfully identified the microalgal strains that showed the highest growth rates and yielded the greatest biomass. The strains reveal great potential for bioenergy production, bioproduct synthesis, and sustainable biotechnological practices