An Assessment of Biodiesel Production from Three Species of Micro Algae (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chroococcus species and Ankistrodesmus falcatus)

Aim: Over dependence on fossil fuels has triggered environmental and economic concerns, creating an ultimate need to redirect towards renewable energy options. Hence, the study on biodiesel production from algal biomass.

Study Design: Modified open pond culture system was applied in the biomass culture and growth was monitored via pH and turbidity.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was done in the laboratory of the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun between June 2020 and July 2021.

Methodology: Soxhlet extraction was applied in algal oil extraction. Alkali-mediated transesterification of algal oil blends into biodiesel was conducted. Biodiesel blends were characterized physically and spectroscopically for fuel properties and chemical position. The synthesis and fuel properties of biodiesels from three micro algal species: Chroococcus sp, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were conducted. Due to low algal oil yield, characterization of four types of hybrid oils were prepared: 100 percen(%)t lavender oil (100LO), 10% Ankistrodesmus falcatus oil plus 90% LO (10AN90LO), 10% Chlamydomonas reinhardtii oil plus 90% LO (10CHL90LO), and 10% Chroococcus sp oil plus 90% LO (10CHR90LO).

Results: The synthesis and fuel properties of biodiesels from the micro algal species: Chroococcus sp, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii gave a percentage yield of algal oil of 29.6%, 23.4% and 15.5%, respectively. The percentage yield of biodiesel from 10AN90LO, 10CHL90LO, 10CHL90LO was 66.7%, 61.7% and 50.0%, respectively. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(GC-MS) analysis revealed presence of four fatty acid methyl and vinyl esters namely; hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, octadecadienoic acid methyl ester, methyl stearate, carbonic acid eicosyl vinyl ester and carbonic acid, tetradecyl vinyl ester. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIS) confirms that chemicals produced are esters.

Conclusion: Fuel properties of biodiesel from these selected algal strains appear appreciable when compared to standard limits. Blends with petroleum diesel showed great potential for use in diesel engines.