Properties of Algal-Based Biodiesel

While interest in using algal oil as a source for biodiesel has increased in recent years, there are few comprehensive studies of the properties of the biofuels that would be produced from these oils. Dunaliella tertiolecta UTEX LB 999, grown in Erdschreiber's Medium and the Chlorella Minutissma UTEX 2219, grown in Modified 3N Bold Medium at room temperature with a 16-8 light/dark cycle, as well as Botryococcus braunii UTEX LB 572, grown in Waris+Soil Extract Medium at room temperature with a 12-12 light/dark cycle were evaluated. The algal oil was extracted using a chloroform/ methanol extraction, and the amount of oil collected from each strain was noted and compared to published values. The oil was then transesterfied to produce biodiesel. The properties such as the fatty acid methyl ester profiles, oxidative stability, viscosity, lubricity, and derived cetane number were measured and compared to those of biodiesel produced from traditional feedstock.