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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
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Author Spotlight: Scaling Microalgal Biotechnology for Enhanced Biomethane Production
Published on: March 22, 2024
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Screening of biomethane production potential from dominant microalgae
Fernando G Fermoso1, Carolina Beltran1,2, Antonia Jimenez3
1a Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de la Grasa (C.S.I.C.) , Sevilla , Spain.
Summary
Microalgae are increasingly used for biomethane production. Scenedesmus obliquus yielded the most biogas, while Dunaliella salina and Nostoc sp. produced less due to cell wall composition and salinity.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Microalgae are gaining traction for biomethane production.
- Diverse microalgae species possess varying characteristics impacting biogas yields.
- Understanding these differences is key to optimizing biofuel generation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of microalgae genera on biochemical methane potential (BMP).
- To correlate microalgal morphology, structure, and physicochemical properties with methane production.
- To evaluate kinetic parameters of methane production from different microalgae species.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests were conducted on four microalgae species: Scenedesmus obliquus, Chlorella sorokiniana, Dunaliella salina, and Nostoc sp.
- Methane yield was quantified (mL CH4/g VSadded).
- Kinetic constants for methane production were determined.
Main Results:
- Scenedesmus obliquus exhibited the highest methane yield (332 ± 24 mL CH4/g VSadded).
- Chlorella sorokiniana, Dunaliella salina, and Nostoc sp. showed progressively lower yields (211 ± 2, 63 ± 17, and 28 ± 10 mL CH4/g VSadded, respectively).
- Higher yields correlated with simpler cell walls (proteins, simple sugars), while salinity and complex cell walls (polysaccharides, glycolipids) reduced yields.
Conclusions:
- Microalgal cell wall composition and environmental factors like salinity significantly influence biomethane production efficiency.
- Species like Scenedesmus obliquus, with simpler cell walls, are more promising for high biomethane yields.
- Kinetic analysis revealed differences in degradation rates, with Scenedesmus obliquus showing a slower rate (0.097 days⁻¹) compared to Dunaliella salina (1.00 days⁻¹).
