1. FAKHRA ASLAM - Department of Environmental Science, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.
2. ARIFA TAHIR - Department of Environmental Science, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Microalgae contains various bioactive compounds such as lipidss, proteins, carbohydrates, and carotenoids. The demand for lipids in the food industry from edible and non-edible sources is increasing daily. The current investigation focuses on the growth and characterization of lipids extracted from locally isolated microalgae. Bligh-Dyer and Folch methods were tested for the most appropriate lipid extraction method. The lipids from Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus dimorphus were extracted using polar and non-polar solvents in different ratios. The lipids were quantified by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The lipid yield using Folch and Bligh-Dyer methods was 23.25 and 17.13 % for Scenedesmus dimorphus and 22.24 and 16.13% for Chlorella vulgaris, respectively. Folch method was documented as the most efficient and appropriate for microalgae lipid extraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of –CH2, –OH, -C=O and -C=C organic compound groups. Stearic acid (38.81%), palmitic acid (42.59 %) and Oleic acid (27.56%) were the prevailing fatty acids in both species. The current study’s findings revealed that Scenedesmus dimorphus had a useful content of lipids and that the local Scenedesmus dimorphus and Chlorella vulgaris are the ideal candidates to be used in the food and fuel industry.
Microalgae; Lipids; Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy; Lipids Profile.