THE EFFECT OF COPPER ON LIPID CONTENT OF MICROALGAE Nannochloropsis oculata
(1) Mohamad Agus Salim, (2) Muhammad Subandi

1. Biology Department of UIN Sunan Gunung Djati of Bandung of Indonesia,
2. Agrotechnology Department of UIN Sunan Gunung Djati of Bandung of Indonesia

Abstract

ABSTRACT.
Microalgae has the ability to remove heavy metals and produce lipids. This study aims to examine the microalgae species of Nannochloropsis oculata in absorbing metals and accumulating lipids. N. oculata microalgae were cultured on the Basal Bold medium with variations in the treatment of Cu concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg/L. The results of this study indicate that Cu inhibits the growth of N. oculata with 96h-EC50 0.24 mg/L. However, N.oculata is able to efficiently remove Cu at low concentrations. Lipid content was significantly increased by 46% in addition of Cu to 0.2 mg/L. Furthermore, it was observed that low Cu levels were efficiently removed, whereas a decrease in lipid accumulation could be seen in the treatment of high Cu concentrations (0.4 mg/L). The results showed Cu concentrations above 0.2 mg/L inhibited growth of N. oculata and consequently decreased lipid levels that accumulated in cells. Conclusion, N. oculata removes Cu from culture media and accumulates lipid levels that can be applied to wastewater treatment management and biodiesel production.

Keywords: biodiesel, growth, heavy metal, lipid, microalgae

Topic: Environmental Engineering