Biodiesel Production from Algae

The energy consumption and demand in the world today has become a
critical issue. The resources we are relying on are very quickly depleting thus lies the
need for research to develop alternative renewable resources that can cater to our
demand and consumption. Biodiesel is one of the solutions that can cater to this
current problem and needs to be studied. This is mainly because biodiesel is a
renewable energy, enviromnental fiiendly, rapidly biodegradable and it is a nontoxic
type of fuel.
Due to its unlimited and mass production, Algae serves as a potential solution
to our current problem. Algae grow naturally all over the world, and under optimal
conditions, can be grown in massive, almost limitless, amounts. Almost half of
algae's composition by weight is lipid oil and scientists have been studying this oil
to convert it into algae Biodiesel, a fuel that bums cleaner and more efficiently than
petroleum.
There are three objectives to this project, namely; to produce biodiesel from
algae taken from various sources, to determine the best method to produce biodiesel
from algae and to optimize the biodiesel production process by manipulating certain
variables such as and not limited to: type of solvent, solvent ratio, etc. The
methodology of the experiments was designed in line with the objectives to ensure
the objectives are met.
Prior to conducting the experiments for biodiesel production, the algae were
purchased and cultured to ensure sufficient quantities were available for biodiesel
production. After conducting the experiments to produce biodiesel, Thin Layer
Chromatography (TLC) characterization was carried out to analyze the samples
prepared.
Due to several contributing factors, it was found that biodiesel was not
produced in any of the samples prepared. The discussion section of this report provides a more detailed explanation to the contributing factors. A brief economic
analysis has been conducted with reference to some literature.
Recommendations are provided with the conclusion of the report. These
recommendations should be taken into consideration if more research is carried out
to improve this project.