Έλαια από μικροφύκη για την παραγωγή βιοντίζελ

Abstract

The use of non-renewable energy sources is no longer considered applicable. This is due, on the one hand, to the depletion of fossil fuels that are depleted, to the harmful environmental effects of their use, and, on the other hand, to their ever-increasing price. Therefore it is necessary to use renewable energy sources (wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, etc.). Among renewable energy sources, one of the most developing energy sources in the near future seems to be the biomass from which biofuels can be derived. These fuels can be used as substitutes for conventional fuels. One of the most widely known biofuels is biodiesel, which can replace fossil diesel. The alkyl esters of the fatty acids that make up biodiesel and its properties are similar to those of ordinary diesel. Therefore its use in diesel engines will not require any modification. A triglyceride transesterification reaction is required to produce it. Microalgae are composed of vegetable oils and animal fats which can be used as a source of triglycerides. Microalgae are simple photosynthetic microorganisms that use solar energy, water, CO2 and simple nutrients such as N, P and K to synthesize large amounts of protein, carbohydrates and lipids in a short time. The triglycerides produced by their lipids are of great interest for the production of biodiesel. The only viable source of biodiesel so far seems to be microalgae oils which are able to meet the global demand for transport fuels. Compared to the energy crops used to date, microalgae have the ability to produce a larger amount of raw material per square meter for biodiesel production. They have an advantage over other crops as they can thrive even in areas that are unsuitable for growing edible plants, this results in the use of areas unsuitable for other crops. Microalgae that have an advantage over the rest due to their high lipid content and high biomass production are preferred for biodiesel production. To achieve the combination of the two above characteristics requires the cultivation under appropriate conditions or the genetic modification of the microalgae.