Cultivation of Microalgae Using Compost as Nutrient Source for Biodiesel Production

Cultivating microalgae for biodiesel production requires substantial amount of nutrient such as nitrogen and phosphorous. In this research project, it focuses on the use of low-cost compost or organic fertilizer as the main nutrient source for microalgae cultivation. It contains high value of nutrients without any contamination that can support microalgae growth. In this research, Chlorella Vulgaris species growth was investigated. The main objective of the experiment will be to study the effect of cultivation parameter such as amount of compost nutrients, duration of illumination, pH value and colour filter towards the growth of microalgae. The growth of the microalgae will be measured by using the spectrophotometer. After it have achieved stationary phase, the microalgae will be dried and biomass collection takes place. The last method will be lipid extraction using Soxhlet extractor and also transesterification reaction with Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) analysis. The analysis will be done by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.