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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sharon Velasquez OrtaORCiD, Dr Jonathan LeeORCiD, Professor Adam Harvey
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In situ transesterification of lipids in algal biomass reduces the number of unit operations by producing alkyl esters (biodiesel) directly from the lipid phase. The production of alkyl esters by in situ transesterification from marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata and freshwater microalgae Chlorella sp was evaluated using different catalysts and biomass moistures. Three homogenous catalysts (sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide and sodium methoxide), and one heterogeneous catalyst (molecular sieve A) were used in microalgae dried at 0%, 1.5%, and 10% moisture. Maximum lipid conversion was obtained for both, marine and freshwater dried microalgae using sulphuric acid as catalyst. A FAME yield of 73% ± 5% was achieved from Nannochloropsis oculata at a catalyst:lipid molar ratio of 0.8:1; while 92 ± 2% was obtained from Chlorella sp. at a catalyst:lipid molar ratio of 0.35:1. Differences in FAME yield among microalgae were analysed in terms of overall cell structure and biomass salinity. It was observed that cells of Nannochloropsis oculata were not as easily disrupted as those of Chlorella sp. and that salts present in Nannochloropsis oculata biomass did not affect the acidic transesterification reaction. In conclusion, the acidic in situ transesterification of dried marine or freshwater microalgae produced the highest conversion; however the yield of alkyl esters was potentially affected by the microalgae cell structure and not the salinity of the biomass.
Author(s): Velasquez-Orta SB, Lee JGM, Harvey A
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Biochemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2013
Volume: 76
Pages: 83-89
Print publication date: 15/07/2013
ISSN (print): 1369-703X
ISSN (electronic): 1873-295X
Publisher: Elsevier
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2013.04.003
DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2013.04.003
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