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Green algae, also referred to as chlorophytes, are different from red algae in having the chloroplasts containing chlorophylls a and b, which give them their distinct green hue. However, they lack phycobiliproteins, preventing them from developing the red or blue-green pigmentation seen in red algae. In terms of photosynthetic pigment composition, green algae closely resemble plants and share a close evolutionary relationship with them. Taxonomically Green algae belong to Phylum Chlorophyta in...
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Unlocking pilot-scale green diesel production from microalgae.

Iago G Costa1, José V C Vargas2, Wellington Balmant3

  • 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate Program in Materials Science Engineering (PIPE), Sustainable Energy Research & Development Center (NPDEAS), Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), 81531-980, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Journal of Environmental Management
|August 11, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Microalgae biomass can be converted into green diesel. A hexane and ethanol solvent blend efficiently extracts hydrocarbons from Tetradesmus obliquus, yielding fuel comparable to petroleum diesel but with higher sulfur content.

Keywords:
BioeconomyFractional distillationIndustrial photobioreactorOil extractionParaffinic hydrocarbonsRenewable diesel

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology and Biofuel Production
  • Renewable Energy Sources
  • Algal Biomass Utilization

Background:

  • Microalgae are a sustainable source of high-energy density compounds for biofuels.
  • Efficient extraction and purification methods are crucial for commercial viability.
  • Tetradesmus obliquus offers potential for biofuel feedstock cultivation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a pilot-scale process for microalgae-derived green diesel production.
  • To optimize oil extraction and purification using fractional distillation.
  • To characterize hydrocarbons and assess the economic feasibility of the process.

Main Methods:

  • Cultivation of Tetradesmus obliquus in photobioreactors using swine waste.
  • Hot solvent extraction using different hexane and ethanol solvent combinations.
  • Purification by fractional distillation and hydrocarbon analysis via GC-MS.

Main Results:

  • A hexane/ethanol blend (70:30) yielded significantly more oil than pure hexane.
  • GC-MS identified alkanes and alkenes; solvent proportion affected alkane production.
  • Distilled oil exhibited a calorific value similar to petroleum diesel but higher sulfur content.

Conclusions:

  • Microalgae-derived hydrocarbon production is a promising route for green diesel.
  • Optimized solvent extraction and fractional distillation enhance yield and purity.
  • The 70% hexane/30% ethanol blend offers an economical and efficient extraction method.