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Experimental Protocol for Biodiesel Production with Isolation of Alkenones as Coproducts from Commercial Isochrysis Algal Biomass
Published on: June 24, 2016
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Biodiesel production from indigenous microalgae grown in wastewater
Oladapo Komolafe1, Sharon B Velasquez Orta2, Ignacio Monje-Ramirez3
1School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, England, UK.
Bioresource Technology
|January 14, 2014
Summary
This study demonstrates sustainable biodiesel production from microalgae cultivated in wastewater, simultaneously reducing nutrients and coliforms. Ozone-flotation harvesting enhances biodiesel stability, offering a dual-purpose treatment solution.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Wastewater treatment presents challenges in nutrient and pathogen removal.
- Microalgae cultivation offers a potential solution for wastewater remediation and biofuel production.
- Biodiesel production from microalgae requires efficient harvesting and stable fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sustainable production of biodiesel from microalgae grown in wastewater.
- To assess the efficacy of microalgae cultivation in reducing wastewater nutrients and total coliforms.
- To evaluate ozone-flotation as a harvesting method for microalgal biomass and its impact on FAME oxidation stability.
Main Methods:
- Cultivating microalgae species (Desmodesmus sp. and mixed cultures) in wastewater.
- Monitoring microalgal growth, biomass concentration, lipid, and FAME yield.
- Implementing ozone-flotation for microalgal biomass harvesting.
- Analyzing FAMEs for oxidation stability and degree of saturation.
- Measuring nutrient (total nitrogen) and total coliform reduction in treated wastewater.
Main Results:
- Microalgae successfully grew in wastewater, with Desmodesmus sp. reaching 0.58 g/L and a mixed culture yielding the highest lipid and FAMEs.
- Wastewater treatment resulted in significant reductions: 55.4-83.9% total nitrogen and 99.8% total coliform removal.
- Ozone-flotation harvesting yielded FAMEs with enhanced oxidative stability due to a high degree of saturation.
Conclusions:
- Microalgae cultivation in wastewater is a viable method for sustainable biodiesel production and effective wastewater remediation.
- Ozone-flotation is an effective harvesting technique that improves biodiesel quality by increasing oxidative stability.
- This integrated approach offers a promising solution for simultaneous wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation.
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