Synthesis and Characterization of Biodieselfrom Micro Algae (Oscillotoria Formosa)

Abstract

Synthesis and characterization of biodiesel from algae oil (Oscillotoria formosa) were done to ascertain its potentials as an alternative to fossil fuel. The algae strain was identified cultured in an open pond system, harvested with the aid of a flocculant, sun dried and ground prior to the oil extraction. Solvent extraction (n-hexane) method was used to extract the oil from the algae biomass. The quality of the biodiesel was accessed by the following fuel parameters; flash point, specific gravity, pour point, cloud point, kinematic viscosity, cetane number, and pH value. The algae biodiesel had viscosity 5.87mm²/_s, the specific gravity 0.884, flash point 118^oC, cloud point -6 ^oC, pour point -10 ^oC, cetane number 49, and pH 6.7. These values of the oscillotoria Formosa biodiesel fell within both European and American standards for 100% biodiesel except the viscosity which was slightly higher than the European standard but was within the American standard for 100% biodiesel. These showed that biodiesel from oscillotoria Formosa oil could serve as a good alternative to fossil fuel.

Keywords: biodiesel, algae oil, Oscillotoria Formosa and fuel.