Characterization of Fresh Water Microalgae from East Tennessee for Biodiesel Production

• Main Author: Mayakoti, Amukta
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2012
• Subjects: fresh water microalgae.; marine microalgae; lipids; Fossil fuels; biodiesel; Botany; Life Sciences; Plant Sciences
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1426; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2619&context=etd

There is an increasing need for renewable energy sources to replace fossils fuels which accumulate harmful byproducts in the environment. Biodiesel emits less gaseous pollutants than diesel. There are various sources for biodiesel but they are unable to meet the existing demands for fuel. Microalgae are a promising source for biodiesel because of its relatively faster growth rate, availability, and lipid content. Microalgae (JC and BT) growing in local water bodies were collected, selected on section media containing antibiotics, and used for characterizations. Experiments were conducted to study and evaluate the optimum growing conditions. Results show that both JC and BT attain maximum growth with shaking and additional aeration compared to control microalgae Dunaliella salina, Nannochlorposis oculata which do not require additional aeration for optimal growth. Lipid extraction results suggest that JC (9.7%) and BT (4.1%) have slightly higher lipid content compared to control algae e.g. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (3.1%).