Technoeconomic assessment and optimization of algal oil extraction from marine macroalgae Dictyota bartayresiana biomass

Abstract

The present research focused on the extraction of algal oil from marine macroalgae Dictyota bartayresiana biomass, with the aim of optimizing the process using classical and statistical methods. The Soxhlet apparatus was used for the oil extraction and a design of experiments was developed to achieve the highest algal oil yield. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal conditions for the extraction process, which included a temperature of 80 °C, an extraction time of 120.40 min, solvent to biomass ratio of 4.74:1 (v:w), and a biomass moisture content of 6.36 %. The regression coefficient was determined to be of 0.97. The extraction kinetics was studied followed by the estimation of activation energy. The extracted algal oil was characterized using FT-IR and GC–MS, and a simulation of the extraction process was conducted for industrial scale production. A technoeconomic assessment was also performed, which revealed positive results with a 14.32 % return on investment, a payback period of 6.98 years, internal rate of return of 15.20 %, and net present value of 9,584,000 $. Overall, the study demonstrates the potential for sustainable extraction of algal oil from D. bartayresiana biomass for use in the production of biofuel.