Assessment of the Biodiesel Potential of Microalgal Blooms: Lipid and FAME Yields from Freshwater Ecosystems in Türkiye


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Oğuz Çam A., Akçaalan Albay R., Köker Demo L., Özbayram E. G., Aydın F., Zengin Z., ...Daha Fazla

4th INTERNATIONAL AQUATIC BIOTECHNOLOGY SYMPOSIUM, Naples, İtalya, 9 - 11 Eylül 2026, ss.37, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Naples
  • Basıldığı Ülke: İtalya
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.37
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Eutrophication, particularly cyanobacterial blooms accompanied by microalgal proliferation, severely impacts aquatic ecosystems, however, the biomass generated during these events represents a promising feedstock for economically valuable products such as biodiesel and bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the biodiesel potential of bloom biomass collected in summer 2025 from two artificial ponds (Gümüşyaka and Çakıl, İstanbul) and a natural wetland (Manyas Lake, Balıkesir, Türkiye). Dominant algal groups were determined in situ using a FluoroProbe, and species were identified by light microscopy. According to FluoroProbe analyses, cyanobacteria accounted for more than 70% of the total biomass across all stations throughout the sampling period. Microscopic analysis revealed that Planktothrix agardhii and Aphanizomenon sp. dominated Gümüşyaka Pond, whereas Microcystis species particularly M. wesenbergii and M. aeruginosa were prevalent together with Woronichinia sp. in Çakıl Pond and Manyas Lake exhibited greater taxonomic diversity, including Microcystis, Aphanizomenon, Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi and Dolichospermum spiroides alongside diatoms and green algae contributing substantially to total biomass. Based on monthly analytical measurements, lipid contents ranged from 10.6–28.3% in Gümüşyaka, 14.5–16.1% in Çakıl, and 11.816.4% in Manyas, while FAME yields varied between 4.2–9.7%, with the highest value recorded in Gümüşyaka in July. Mid-summer samples (July–August) showed enhanced lipid and FAME production. The yields were higher than those reported for laboratory-scale monocultures, suggesting that environmental stress conditions during natural bloom events may stimulate lipid accumulation and FAME production. These findings highlight the potential of bloom biomass for sustainable biodiesel production, supporting its environmental and economic valorization.