Microalgae have emerged as one of the most promissing feedstock for biodiesel production. Micractinium sp and Chlamydomonas sp were isolated from the water bodies of Madurai. These microalgae were maintained in Modified BG11 medium with a photoperiod of 12 hours light /12 hours dark, light intensity of 2000lux at a temperature of 25°C. Growth rate, proliferation rate, dry weight and pigments such as chlorophyll a, carotenoids were monitored at an interval of 5 days until the 30th day of growth. The amount of chlorophyll a and carotenoids were maximum on 30th day of growth. Nile red indicated more number of lipid bodies during the declining phase of growth. Lipid, dry weight content was maximum on 30th day of growth. TLC separation of lipids revealed the presence of monoacyl glycerols, diacyl glycerols and triacyl glycerols. The fatty acids profile of Chlamydomonas sp and Micractinium sp were quantified by gas chromatography and found to produce significantly high level of saturated fatty acids.
