Production of Biodiesel from Green Alga Oedogonium capillare

Abstract

The production of biodiesel from green alga Oedogonium capillare was investigated. The result shows that biodiesel can be obtained from green alga Oedogonium capillare. The algal oil obtained from the Oedogonium capillare was 8.18 % using n-hexane as the solvent extraction. The algal oil was converted into biodiesel and the percentage yield of the biodiesel obtained from the Oedogonium capillare oil was 100 % in the course of the research. The biodiesel was found to be almost neutral in nature because the pH was 7.1. Oedogonium capillare can serve as source of energy and considerable amount of biodiesel can be produced from algae. The global dependence on the nonrenewable energy sources (i.e. fossil fuels) is leading us towards the worldwide energy insecurity. Algae have many reasons why they could be consider as one of the most perfect choices for biodiesel production. A constant rising worldwide demand of motor and power generation fuels together with environmental concern has made us to turn on towards natural and pollution free fuel i.e. biofuel which can be gotten from Oedogonium capillare. Biofuels are quite adequate to provide an alternative to fossil fuels and can also reduce total CO2 emissions. Oedogonium capillare can produce biodiesel which is biodegradable, less CO2 and NOx emission. Increasing number of population, advanced technology and economics growth somehow has caused energy depletion. Algae have important potential as an alternative energy source. Therefore, lipids-secreting microalgae are promising alternatives for the production of renewable biofuel.