Biodiesel production from the microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana: Optimization of the transesterification reaction and physicochemical characterization

Authors: Sanjurjo, C., Oulego, P., Bartolomé, M., Rodríguez, E., Gonzalez, R. and Hernández Battez, A.

Journal: Biomass and Bioenergy

Volume: 185

eISSN: 1873-2909

ISSN: 0961-9534

DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107240

Abstract:

The current environmental scenario has encouraged the study of renewable and competitive alternative feedstocks for biodiesel production. Microalgae present a significant opportunity as a feedstock that does not require arable land and can be cultivated using wastewater. The paper investigates the optimization of biodiesel production from microalgae Nannochloropsis gaditana bio-oil using response surface methodology and also analyzes the main physicochemical properties of the bio-oil. It was confirmed that this methodology is suitable for materials with low homogeneity. The model is also adequate for determining optimal experimental conditions, resulting in a FAME content of 87.25 %. The biodiesel's physicochemical properties were analyzed. It was discovered that the high degree of unsaturation in the microalgae bio-oil's chemical structure resulted in a narrower temperature range for its application compared to other vegetable sources.

Source: Scopus