Title:
Evaluation of Natural Mixed Micro-Algal Blooms as Potential Feedstock for Biodiesel Production
Author(s):
Sidari, R., Zema, D.A., Bombino, G., Sgrò, A., Caridi, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Microalgae are promising source to produce biodiesel. Usually, uni-algal cultures selected for specific characters are used, even though micro-algal blooms show appreciable oil yields. This paper evaluates the potential of natural mixed micro-algal blooms as feedstock to produce biodiesel, compared to uni-algal cultures. Three naturally evolved autochthonous micro-algal blooms and two Chlorella strains were firstly tested at laboratory scale and then scaled-up in raceway open-ponds and photobioreactors. Lipids, after extraction from the dried algal biomass, were subjected to acid catalysed transesterification. The most abundant fatty acids in algal oil were myristic, palmitic, and palmitoleic. Results of the experiences show that, beside uni-algal cultures, mixed micro-algal populations may represent a source for producing biodiesel, provided that culture optimization in large-scale plants, such by CO2 and nutrient input, is needed to produce higher quantity of biomass.
Keywords:
biodiesel, biomass, microalgae, autochthonous, multi-algal, blooms
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Algae production systems
Event:
23rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CV.1.61
Pages:
231 - 234
ISBN:
978-88-89407-516
Paper DOI:
10.5071/23rdEUBCE2015-1CV.1.61
Price:
FREE
