Optimum production and characterization of biodiesel from spirogyra algae

Abstract

This work focused on the optimum production and characterization of biodiesel from Spirogyra. Parametric optimization with Minitab software was used to design the experiment using Central Composite Design (CCD). Optimum values for the solvent to biomass ratio, extraction temperature and time were 15 ml/g, 100oC and 30 minutes respectively. Careful and practicable implementation of the optimum conditions for lipids extraction and biodiesel production was done. The algal oil average yield was 20.25 %. The extracted algal oil was chemically transesterified using ethanolic-NaOH as catalyst. The average yield of the biodiesel was 62.96 %. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of biodiesel showed strong intensity of –C=O ester bond. Characterizations done confirmed good suitability with conventional diesel properties and standards.