Evaluation of the cultivation conditions of marine microalgae Chlorella sp. to be used as feedstock in ultrasound-assisted ethanolysis

• DOI: 10.18331/brj2015.2.3.7
• Publication Date: 2015-08-30T11:35:04Z
• Authors: Mateus S. Amaral; Carla C. Loures; Patrícia C.M. Da Rós; Sara A. Machado; Cristiano E. R. Reis; Heizir F. de Castro; Messias B. Silva
• Keywords: Microalgal oil; Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE); 571; Experimental Design; Chlorella sp; 0211 other engineering and technologies; 02 engineering and technology; Fuel; Energy industries. Energy policy. Fuel trade; 7. Clean energy; Experimental design; 6. Clean water; Transesterification; TP315-360; HD9502-9502.5

A total of 8 assays was conducted to study the influence different variables namely, light intensity, CO2 level, NaNO3 concentration and aeration rate, on cultivation marine microalgae Chlorella sp. enhance biomass feedstock availability for biodiesel. The experiments were designed using a Taguchi L8 experimental array set at two levels operation, having intensity (0.85 14.5 klux), (5 10%), (0.025 0.075 g L-1) rate (3:33 1.67 vvm) as independent considering productivity lipid content response variables. All performed in six photobioreactor vessels connected series with volume 8.4 L working volumes 2 4 L, depending conditions assessed. highest 210.9 mg L-1day-1, corresponding 8.2%. Such results attained when culture 0.85 klux 5% L-1 NaNO3. showed no significant productivity. On other hand, achieved cultures grown lowest an vvm, while factors had statistical significance. Under these conditions, obtained 19.8%, expense reducing 85.9 L-1day-1.The fatty acid profile material characterized by gas chromatography identified fourteen acids carbon chain ranging from C8 C20 which most present saturated (58.7 %) monounsaturated (36.1%) acids. Those higher proportions oleic (22.8%), palmitic (20.7%) lauric (17.7 acids, indicating suitable composition ethyl esters (FAEE) synthesis. This confirmed catalysis under ultrasound irradiations reaching conversion 78.4% within only h.