Optimization of the one step transesterification process for the biodiesel production from Chlorella sp. MJ 11/11

Abstract

A customized 20 L airlift photobioreactor was utilized for the growth of Chlorella sp. MJ 11/11. The biomass obtained was further used for production of biodiesel. A one step transesterification process was utilized for the production of biodiesel from algal lipids. The lipid content of Chlorella sp. MJ 11/11 was determined to be 58% w/w. The biomass obtained was flocculated using chitosan (stock of 10 mg L−1) and the flocculation efficiency was found to be 97%. HCl was found to be the most suitable catalyst for the transesterification reaction. The most suitable conditions required for transesterification were determined. Utilizing these conditions, the conversion of algal lipids to biodiesel was observed to be 84.2%. The fatty acids content of biodiesel from the lipids of the microalgae suggested its potentiality as a promising fuel for the future.