AN INVESTIGATION OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM ALGAE (Botryococcus

braunii)

A Research Paper

Presented to:

Mrs. Katherine Joy Patrimonio-Montuno

By:

Herlyn Kate Aizon

Roxanne Yvonne Flora

Carl Robin Castro

January 2020
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In the past several decades, the demand for energy has constantly increased, and is
expected to continue growing drastically around the world. This demand has been sustained
largely by fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas, but these sources of energy are
diminishing in supply. The combustion of fossil fuels produces large amounts of air
pollutants which accumulate in the atmosphere. Innovative technologies and sources of
energy must be developed to replace fossil fuels and contribute to the reduction of
emissions of greenhouse gases associated with their use. One of such technology is the
production of biodiesel from algae (Bošnjaković, 2013). Several studies have already been
conducted on the feasibility of growing algae for biodiesel production, which showed
promising results. It confirmed the absence of major drawbacks with current biofuels. This
technology uses the oils from the algae as raw material in producing biofuel.

Considering the food problems, algae gain the most attention to be used as a biofuel
source. The use of crop and food-producing plants such as corn and palm will never be a
best fit into the priorities for biofuel production as they are edible and might disturb the
food supply (Khan et al., 2017).

Normally, algae have 20%–80% oil content that could be converted into different types
of fuels such as kerosene oil and biodiesel. The diesel production from algae is economical
and easy. Different species of algae have good potential for biodiesel production. Genetics
can be used to enhance the production of oil and biodiesel contents and stability of algae.
By increasing the genetic expressions, we can find the ways to achieve the required biofuel
amounts easily and continuously to overcome the fuels deficiency (Siddique et al., 2017).

Statement of the Problem

The constant diminishing of the supply of fossil fuels has led to the search for alternative
and eco-friendly biofuels. The researchers hope to find the answers to the following
questions:
 1. Can the microalgae species Botryococcus braunii be used and converted into
an eco-friendly biodiesel?
2. How feasible is the production of biodiesel from the microalgae Botryococcus
braunii?

Significance of the Study

This study may be of benefit for the following:

Students- If the use of algal biodiesel was to be utilized commercially, it may

create a cleaner and pollutant-free environment for the people, especially those people
who live in urban and densely-populated areas of the city.

Environment- We are aware that the cost of crude oil will continue to rise due
to its diminishing supply, so, production of fuels from alternate sources will be needed in
future decades (Du et al., 2008). In this scenario, biodiesel is the best alternative fuel due
to its non-toxic nature (Lapinskiene et al., 2010). Biodiesel is the monoalkyl esters of
longchain fatty acids, which is derived from transesterification of biological matter
(Lapuerta et al., 2008). It is an excellent renewable and safe alternative fuel with
environment friendly nature (Patil et al., 2011). Biodiesel production from renewable
sources can also boost farming and fuel production industries (Xue et al., 2006).
Microalgae contribute around 40 to 50 percent of the oxygen in the atmosphere and
simultaneously consume nitrogen, phosphate and carbon dioxide to grow photo
autotrophically which makes algae attractive for carbon dioxide mitigation and reduction
of pollution (Park et al., 2011).
Future Researchers- The compiled data on this paper may aid the studies that
are conducted by future researchers.

Scope and Limitation

The research itself will be conducted within the parameters of Zamboanga City and the
research samples such as the microalgae will also be collected within the parameters of
Zamboanga City.
Definition of Terms

Biodiesel- the resulting product. It is made from the transesterification process.

Microalgae- the main ingredient in the production of biodiesel. It is converted into

biodiesel by the use of the transesterification process.

Transesterification- separates the “algal oil” into glycerin and usable biodiesel. Sodium
hydroxide or potassium hydroxide is commonly used in this process.
 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Facts about Algae
Microalgae are phototrophic microorganisms. That means they use CO2 as
inorganic carbon source and sunlight as energy source to synthesize organic compounds.

The potential of microalgae as renewable source for biofuel production is very promising
due to higher growth rates and the capability to accumulate higher amounts of lipids (from
20% until 80% of dry weight) than conventional oil crops (not more than 5% of dry weight)
and therefore the oil yield per hectare obtained from microalgae can greatly exceed the
yield from oil plants like rapeseed, palm, or sunflower. Another advantage of microalgae
over plants is their metabolic flexibility. That means that a variation in the biochemical
composition of the biomass (towards higher lipid, carbohydrates or protein accumulation)
can be regulated by varying the cultivation conditions. (Göttlicher et al., 2012)

These low values reconfirm the high potential and motivation for using microalgae as
sustainable feedstock for biofuels. (Posten et al., 2012)

About Biodiesel

Biodiesel can be produced straight from vegetable oil, animal oil/fats, tallow and
waste cooking oil while its molecules are esters that contains an alcohol and carboxylic
acid. These compositions made biodiesel an environmentally beneficial property and the
main benefit of this is that it can be described as ‘carbon neutral’. Which means that the
fuel produces no net output of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Biodiesel can be an alternative fuel similar to conventional or ‘fossil’ diesel because it

burns cleaner than traditional diesel, producing less sulfur and fewer particulates. It also
delivers slightly less energy than petroleum-based diesel, however, it is more corrosive to
engine parts.

Biodiesel is the transesterification product of triglycerides of vegetable oils with methanol

to form fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). The resultant FAME fuel has decreased viscosity
compared to vegetable oil and fuel properties similar to petroleum-based diesel fuel
(Bucholtz, 2007).
Related Studies on Biodiesel

The effectiveness of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peeling extract as biofuel

Ecoben, Gesta, and Nalaza on 2016 have conducted a research about the effectiveness of
Jackfruit peeling extract as biofuel, wherein it aims to know the feasibility of this fruit as a
pollutant free fuel. The study will focus primarily in determining the effectiveness of
Jackfruit peeling as an alternative source for making a biofuel, this study will cover and
aim to test whether the biofuel from Jackfruit can be a complete substitute to the
commercialized ones.
Utilizing left over cooking oil as biofuel

The inventor Emiliano F. Quitiol, 2010, also conducted a test where left over cooking oil
to biofuel, used cooking oil may now be turned into biofuel that can be blended with diesel,
gasoline, and LPG. This will progress the performance of vehicle engines and will lessen
the fuel consumption.

Corn (Zea mays) for biofuel production

John Hay F. in 2019 have searched for other alternative things that can produce eco-
friendly biodiesel. Corn can be produced as biofuel, since corn (Zea mays) is a popular
feedstock for ethanol. Major nutrients required by corn are nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium. Inorganic nitrogen fertilizer production is very energy-intensive and as a result,
nitrogen fertilizer represents nearly 30% of the energy inputs in corn production (BESS,
2009). Environmental issues in corn production revolve around erosion, pesticide use, and
nutrient use (John Hay, 2019).