Environmental, Economical and Financial Aspects of Production of Biodiesel from Algal Biomass

Abstract

Biodiesel is an environment friendly fuel. It has a substantially better energy balance than ethanol, causes a dramatic reduction in carbon emission per mile driven relative to petroleum based diesel, is 100% renewable, and it can go into existing diesel engines without modifications. Production of biodiesel using conventional methods, make social and economic sense. Jatropha is being planted in India, China and other parts of the world. Since Jatropha grows in sub-prime non-food crop lands, it is potentially useful because land becomes less of an issue. Biodiesel made from algae is another potential source, however, large tracts of water are only available in open oceans and that creates the related issue around using genetic engineering techniques to optimize algae which would be an environmental risk. Biofuels are expected to reduce dependence on imported petroleum with associated political and economic vulnerability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, and revitalize the economy by increasing demand and prices for agricultural products. Microalgae feedstocks are gaining interest in the present day energy scenario due to their fast growth potential coupled with relatively high lipid, carbohydrate and nutrients contents. All of these properties render them an excellent source for biofuels such as biodiesel, bio ethanol and bio methane; as well as a number of other valuable products.

In the present study the production of Biodiesel from kinds of algae was investigated. The important parameters like reaction temperature, pH, medium and reaction time was studied. Biodiesel is produced by trans esterifications process. Base catalysed transesterification process is more efficient and is less corrosive than an acid catalysis process which makes it more applicable to industrial use. In the other way Oedogonium, Spirogyra and Chlorella were taken for the biodiesel production. After the experimental analysis, it was found that, the percentage of the dry weight of algae (before oil extraction) was higher in Oedogonium torn in Spirogyra, It was 11.3 g than 8.09 g of Spirogyra and 9.20 g of Chlorella. Hence it is encouraging going into the business of biofuels production to empower rural dwellers thereby alleviating poverty and reducing environmental destruction and enjoining sustainable energy usage. The fuels, which showed the greatest reductions in greenhouse gases (over 50 %) when compared with fossil fuels were biodiesel made from waste and algae. The numerous benefits of biofuels include sustainability, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, regional developments, employments, energy security, conflict resolutions, agriculture and socioeconomic benefits will make a lot of changes for the benefit of man when their production and usage are fully practicalised globally.