Sustainable Production of Algal Biodiesel Using Chlorella Pyrenoidosa

Abstract

The excessive consumption and utilization of fossil fuels, has had deleterious effect on the global fuel supply. It also has a detrimental effect on the environment, a growing concern in the last century. The key is in finding alternative and sustainable fuel sources, such as Biodiesel, and their efficient production and utilization to meet the surplus demand. Food crops and Microalgae have been identified to be potent producers of biodiesel. Microalgae trump the food crops on account of higher fatty acid content, that aid in the synthesis of biodiesel. In this study, we have utilized the microalgae, Chlorella pyrenoidosa as a source, having a high lipid content. The microalgae was cultured under optimal conditions and the extraction of the oil rich constituents was done by sonication. Further, trans-esterification was carried out to produce biodiesel. We then characterized the fuel based on its Saponification value, thin layer chromatography, types of fatty.