Microalgae are a promising alternative source
of lipid for biodiesel production. One of the most
important decisions is the choice of species to use. High
lipid productivity is a key desirable characteristic of a
species for biodiesel production. This paper reviews
information available in the literature on microalgal
growth rates, lipid content and lipid productivities for 55
species of microalgae, including 17 Chlorophyta, 11
Bacillariophyta and five Cyanobacteria as well as other
taxa. The data available in the literature are far from
complete and rigorous comparison across experiments
carried out under different conditions is not possible.
However, the collated information provides a framework
for decision-making and a starting point for further
investigation of species selection. Shortcomings in the
current dataset are highlighted. The importance of lipid
productivity as a selection parameter over lipid content
and growth rate individually is demonstrated.
Lipid productivity as a key characteristic for choosing algal
species for biodiesel production