Determination of optimum growth conditions and biodiesel production from filamentous algae

Abstract

Petroleum diesel combustion is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG). It is also a major source of other air contaminants including NOx, SOx, CO and volatile organic compounds. Algae have emerged as one of the most promising sources for biodiesel production. In this study, a higher algae growth rate was observed in the experiments with excess Na₂SiO₄, trace metals, Na₂EDTA and excess vitamin solution, the increase was above 300%. It was also observed that the experiment that was supplied with CO₂ (without simultaneous sunlight exposure) for one hour, for 25 days and the beaker with excess NaH₂PO₄ solution, have shown a slower growth rate than the control. The results of the experiment on the effect of sunlight exposure for certain times daily for 25 days show that the growth rate is directly proportional to increase of sunlight exposure time (during the 90 min). The results of the experiment on the effect of simultaneous exposure to sunlight and CO₂ for certain times daily, for 25 days, show that the growth rate is directly proportional to the increase of sunlight and CO₂ exposure time.

Key words: Algal oil, biodiesel, transesterification, glycerine.