Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
3rd International Aquatic Biotechnology Symposium, İstanbul, Türkiye, 25 - 27 Eylül 2024, ss.52
Cyanobacterial blooms have adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems However, those bulk biomass hold a great potential to produce economically viable products such as biodiesel as well serving as a promising source of bioactive natural products. Thus, utilizing algal blooms could be both environmentally and economically beneficial. In this study, it was aimed to assess the the biodiesel potential of cyanobacterial blooms. For this purpose, samples were collected from artificial ponds constructed for rainwater harvesting in Gümüşyaka and Çakıl Ponds (İstanbul, Türkiye) during summer 2024 (July 2024 and August 2024). Phytoplankton counts were performed to identify the dominant species. Biodiesel yield and quality were then analyzed, focusing on the FAME content. It was found that cyanobacteria represented more than 80% of the total algal groups in both ponds. The dominant cyanobacteria were identified as Woronichinia sp. and Microcystis sp. in Çakıl Pond, and Aphanizomenon sp. and Planktothrix agardhii in Gümüşyaka Pond. Analysis of biodiesel yields revealed that the FAME content was above 40% in Çakıl and 50% in Gümüşyaka Ponds These results were higher than those obtained from studies conducted in cultures on a lab scale suggesting that higher stress conditions in natural environments increase the FAME content of these species. The results showed that there is a great potential of utilizing the biomass from algal blooms for sustainable and economically viable biodiesel production, contributing positively to the bioenergy sector while mitigating the environmental impact of algal blooms.