Abstract

The present study aims to use Ankistrodesmus sp. EHY to develop a viable and economic lipid production strategy using recycling of harvested microalgal effluent. In comparison to the control, the highest lipid content (52.4 %) and productivity (250.72 mg L −1 d −1 ) were achieved when 40 % recycled medium was used. Consistent with the trend of lipid accumulation, the six key lipogenetic genes were upregulated, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) and genes encoding antioxidant enzymes during cultivation in recycled medium. Moreover, the consumption of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the increased humic acid (HA) in the recycled medium might also be associated with lipid biosynthesis. The biodiesel parameters of alga biomass-derived lipids were fitted to the standard of commercial biodiesel. In conclusion, this study offers an economically viable strategy for microalgal biofuel production and wastewater treatment using recycling of harvested microalgal effluent.