Isolation of microalgae from Kuching, Sarawak, and assessment of their potential for biofuel production and bioremediation of nutrient-rich media

Microalgae are tiny single cell organism which can do photosynthesis. This research isolated local microalgae strains from the water bodies in Malaysia and identified through the DNA comparison and the comparison of their characteristics. The microalgae were tested in their ability to grow in nutrient media and their oil content in the biomass generated. Their growth in nutrient media was recorded and their oil was extracted and analysed on its quality. This research offers the potential to utilize microalgae in treating wastewater and generating biofuel. This will allow a new source of fuel energy and reduce deforestation for the expansion of palm oil plantations.