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Updated: May 18, 2026

Analysis of Fatty Acid Content and Composition in Microalgae
Published on: October 1, 2013
Volatile fatty acids production from marine macroalgae by anaerobic fermentation
Thi Nhan Pham1, Woo Joong Nam, Young Joong Jeon
1Department of Chemical and Bio-Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Abstract:
Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were produced from the marine macroalgae, Laminaria japonica, Pachymeniopsis elliptica, and Enteromorpha crinite by anaerobic fermentation using a microbial community derived from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Methanogen inhibitor (iodoform), pH control, substrate concentration, and alkaline and thermal pretreatments affected VFA productivity. Acetic, propionic, and butyric acids were the main products. A maximum VFA concentration of 15.2g/L was obtained from 50 g/L of L. japonica in three days at 35°C and pH 6.5-7.0. Pretreatment with 0.5 N NaOH improved VFA productivity by 56% compared to control. The result shows the applicability of marine macroalgae as biomass feedstock for the production of VFAs which can be converted to mixed alcohol fuels.
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