Application of the Taguchi Method for Optimizing Lipid and Biomass Production in <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i>

The optimization of biomass and lipid production (LP) in Chlorella vulgaris is essential for its application in biofuel production. This study used the Taguchi Method to assess the effects of light intensity, wastewater concentration, and supplemental carbon source (sodium acetate and starch) on biomass productivity (BP) and LP. Experiments were conducted using an L4 orthogonal array, enabling the identification of optimal conditions to maximize yields. The results indicated that light intensity and carbon source significantly influenced BP, while wastewater concentration and light intensity affected LP. The highest lipid accumulation (5%) was observed under low light intensity and higher wastewater concentration, suggesting that nutritional stress may promote lipid biosynthesis. Conversely, starch supplementation led to higher BP. These findings highlight the potential of C. vulgaris as a sustainable alternative for biodiesel production, contributing to reducing fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions.