Indian Journal of Agricultural Biochemistry

The study compared the biodiesel production potential of three microalgal strains: Chlorella sp., Scenedesmus sp., and Botryococcus sp. The strains were cultivated under controlled conditions and their pigment content and biochemical characteristics were assessed. Botryococcus sp. showed the highest levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids, total soluble proteins, carbohydrates and enzyme activities, making it the most promising for biodiesel production. Scenedesmus sp. had the lowest values while Chlorococcum sp. showed intermediate enzyme activity levels, indicating the species’ metabolic diversity. The findings highlight the potential of algal pigments in biodiesel production and the energy-intensive nature of harvesting and converting algal biomass into biofuels. The environmental impact of algae-derived biofuels can vary based on production volume, growing techniques and biofuel type. Advancements in bioreactor design, genetic modification and processing technology are crucial for reducing energy consumption and promoting economic feasibility and ecological sustainability.