Biofuel from Algae, Micro Algae, Methods

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**Description: The Whispering Glade of Aethelgard**

The Whispering Glade of Aethelgard exists not quite in reality, but in the liminal space between dreams and ancient memory. It is a place of profound tranquility, tinged with an ethereal melancholy, where the veil between worlds seems thin. Sunlight, filtered through an impossibly dense canopy of silver-leaved trees, paints the forest floor in dappled patterns of emerald and pale gold. This light possesses a quality unlike any earthly illumination: it shimmers with an inner radiance, as if each ray carries the whisper of forgotten stars.

The trees themselves are impossibly tall, their trunks adorned with swirling patterns of luminous moss that pulse with a faint, internal light. Their branches, gnarled and ancient, reach skyward like the arms of supplicants, draped with vines that resemble spun moonlight. The leaves, seemingly crafted from polished silver, tremble with a perpetual, gentle rustling, even when no wind stirs. This is the glade's eponymous whisper – a constant susurrus of secrets and forgotten lore, said to be the voices of the trees communicating with the very earth.

At the heart of the glade lies a pool of water, still and dark as polished obsidian. Its surface reflects the ethereal light above with perfect clarity, creating a dizzying illusion of infinite depth. No ripple disturbs its surface, save for the occasional falling of a single, iridescent petal from the trees above. Legend claims that gazing into the pool allows one to glimpse fragments of the past, echoes of lives lived and lost within the glade's embrace. A faint, almost imperceptible mist hangs low over the water, lending an air of mystery and intrigue.

Scattered around the pool are stones, smooth and weathered by time, arranged in a circle that speaks of ancient rituals and forgotten ceremonies. Each stone is etched with symbols that resemble both writing and art, a language that predates any known civilization. These stones hum with a subtle energy, a palpable vibration that can be felt with the palm of the hand. They seem to hold the memories of the glade, acting as silent guardians of its secrets.

Flora unlike any found in the mortal world thrives in this enchanted place. Luminous fungi sprout from the mossy roots of the trees, casting an otherworldly glow. Flowers with petals of amethyst and sapphire unfurl in perpetual bloom, their delicate fragrance mingling with the earthy scent of the forest floor. Strange, bioluminescent insects flit through the air, leaving trails of sparkling light in their wake. The air itself vibrates with life, a symphony of subtle sounds and scents that

1. Biodiesel Production From Algae Created By: Zahra Samii Supervised By: Dr. Javadi

2. 01 Introduction 02 Algae 03 Biodiesel Production 04 Challenges & Future Perspectives Table of Content

3. It Begins with a Crisis! There were Concerns over rising fuel prices, energy security, and environmental degradation intensified the search for renewable fuels. It pushed scientists and policymakers to seek alternative energy sources. Researchers focused on Algae as a renewable source of gaseous fuels such as hydrogen and methane. It is a biodegradable & low emissions resource.

4. Algal Biofuels Bioethanol Biobutanol Biodiesel Biohydrogen

5. Usage Used in diesel engines Pros Biodegradable and non-toxic Cons Can lead to higher NOx emissions Biodiesel A renewable fuel made from the transesterification of oils (usually vegetable or animal fats) into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). It can be blended with petroleum diesel. Can be produced locally, supporting rural economies. Limited feedstock availability and higher production costs Lower emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. Requires engine modifications in some cases for higher blends Heating and cooking

6. What is Algae? Algae are photosynthetic autotrophs that primarily live in aquatic environments They evolve oxygen and exist as single cells, colonies, or filamentous forms Macroalgae (seaweed) : Multicellular, visible to the naked eye. Microalgae : Unicellular, only visible under a microscope

7. Classification Basis Description Habitat freshwater, marine, or terrestrial. Energy Source Photosynthetic : Utilize sunlight for energy. Chemosynthetic : Derive energy from chemical reactions. Mixotrophic : Use a combination of photosynthesis and external organic carbon for energy Trophic Mode Autotrophic, Heterotrophic Pigment Color Green (Chlorophyta), Brown (Phaeophyta), Red (Rhodophyta), Blue-Green (Cyanophyta) Cell Type Prokaryotic (unicellular) : Simpler structure. Eukaryotic (multicellular) : More complex and larger structure. Motion Motile : Have flagella to propel themselves. Non-motile Algae Classification

8. Micro Algae Sustainable Cultivation High Oil Content Rapid Growth Rate Micro or Macro Algae? Nutrient Absorption Minimal Environmental Impact Carbon Dioxide Fixation Genetic Manipulation Diverse Applications Low Resource Requirement Scalability

9. Key features of microalgae species Feature Description Size Microalgae typically range in size between 2–50  μm . Photosynthesis Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water as energy sources to produce organic compounds. Production rate Microalgae have an extraordinary growth rate and can double their biomass within 24 h under optimal conditions. Nutritional content Microalgae are packed with vital nutrients such as proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Biodiversity Microalgae are a diverse group of organisms with over 70,000 known species. Habitat Microalgae can be found in different aquatic environments, including freshwater, marine, and brackish waters. Bio-active compounds Microalgae can produce bioactive compounds with numerous applications across medicine, cosmetics, and other industries. Eco benefits Utilized for carbon sequestration and wastewater treatment applications, among other environmental benefits.

10. First-generation biofuels are  produced directly from food crops   by abstracting the oils for  biodiesel  or producing  bioethanol   through conventional methods like  fermentation . Crops such as  wheat and sugar   are the most widely used feedstock for bioethanol while rapeseed oil has proved a very effective crop for use in biodiesel. First-generation biofuels have several associated problems . These biofuels can produce  Negative Net energy gains , releasing more carbon in their production than their feedstock captures in their growth. The most contentious issue with first-generation biofuels is ‘ fuel vs food ’. Biofuels from food grains have been blamed for the increase in food prices over the last couple of years. First Generation Biofuels

11. They are produced from  non-food crops such as wood, organic waste, food crop waste, and specific biomass crops , therefore eliminating the main problem with first-generation biofuels. Second-generation biofuels are also aimed at being more cost-competitive than existing fossil fuels. Life cycle assessments of second-generation biofuels have also indicated that they will increase  Positive net energy gains  overcoming another of the main limitations of first-generation biofuels. Second Generation Biofuels

12. The Third Generation of biofuels takes advantage of  specially engineered energy crops such as algae . The algae are cultured to act as a  low-cost, high-energy, and entirely renewable feedstock . It is predicted that algae will have the potential to produce  more energy per acre than conventional crops . Algae can also be grown using land and water unsuitable for food production. A further benefit of algae-based biofuels is that the fuel can be manufactured into a  wide range of fuels such as diesel, petrol, and jet fuel . It is potentially carbon neutral  (the same amount of carbon is absorbed and emitted) . Third Generation Biofuels

13. Four Generation Bio-fuels are aimed at not only producing sustainable energy but also a way of capturing and storing CO 2 . Biomass materials, which have absorbed CO 2  while growing, are converted into fuel using the same processes as second-generation biofuels. This process differs from second and third generation production as at all stages of production the carbon dioxide is captured using processes such as oxy-fuel combustion. The carbon dioxide can then be  geo-sequestered  by storing it in old oil and gas fields or saline aquifers. This  carbon capture   makes fourth generation biofuel production  carbon negative  rather than simply carbon neutral, as it is locks away more carbon than it produces. This system not only captures and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but it also  reduces CO 2  emissions by replacing fossil fuels . Fourth Generation Biofuels

14. Algae Cultivation Extraction By-Product & Residual Biomass Harvest Conversion of Lipids to Biodiesel Biodiesel Production

15. Algae Cultivation Phototrophic Heterotrophic Hybrid Systems Natural Cultivation (Open Pond) Raceway Circular Pond Mixotrophic: Heterotrophic & Phototrophic Batch vs Continuous Artificial Cultivation (Closed Pond) Raceway Tubular Photobioreactor Column Photobioreactor Stirred Tank Photobioreactor Flat Tank Photobioreactor

16. Light Temprature p H Algae Species Nutrients Environmental Conditions Factors affecting algal cultivation and biofuel production

17. Microalgae Harvesting Process Physical Methods Chemical Methods Biological Methods Magnetic Methods Bio flocculation Auto flocculation Nano Particles Centrifugation Filtration Gravity Sedimentation Flotation Electrical Methods Inorganic Flocculant Inorganic Polymers Organic Polymers

18. Algae Harvesting 1. Separation and thickening of microalgae from bulk suspension by micro strainers, by electrophoresis process, and by sedimentation, flotation, and flocculation. 2. Dewatering the microalgae slurry, applying filtration, or centrifugation. 3. The dehydration of biomass is followed by lipid extraction from algae biomass. The process is much more demanding than oil extraction from terrestrial cultures.

19. Lipid Extraction Solvent Extraction Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) Microwave-Assisted Extraction Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Mechanical Methods (Bead Beating & Expeller Press) What are the advantages and disadvantages of different stages of lipid extraction from algae?

20. Extraction Method Advantages Disadvantages Solvent Extraction - High lipid recovery rate. - Toxic solvents (e.g., hexane) may pose environmental and safety hazards. - Widely used and cost-effective for large-scale operations. - Expensive solvent recovery systems needed. - Effective for a wide range of algae species. - Some solvents may not be eco-friendly. - Presence of water can lower efficiency (especially in wet algae). Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) - Eco-friendly, no toxic solvents involved (uses CO₂). - High operational costs due to expensive equipment. - Efficient extraction with no solvent residue in the final product. - Requires high pressure and temperature control. - CO₂ is easily recoverable and recyclable. - Slower extraction process compared to other methods. Mechanical Methods - Simple and solvent-free, avoiding chemical hazards. - Low lipid recovery efficiency, especially for hard-to-extract species.

21. - Suitable for small-scale operations. - Bead beating requires high energy input, leading to possible cell over-damage. - Reduces environmental impact due to absence of solvents. - Expeller press can result in incomplete lipid recovery without other methods. Microwave-Assisted Extraction - Shortens extraction time significantly. - High temperatures may degrade some lipids. - Reduces solvent use by increasing cell wall permeability. - Expensive equipment is required. - Can be combined with solvents for enhanced lipid yield. - Limited scalability for large-scale biodiesel production. Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction - Enhances cell disruption, improving lipid extraction. - Ultrasound equipment can be expensive and delicate. - Shortens extraction time and lowers energy consumption compared to mechanical methods. - Requires careful optimization to prevent cell over-damage. - Can be combined with solvents to increase efficiency. - Not easily scalable for large industrial applications.

22. Transesterification Triglyceride + Alcohol →  Fatty Acid Esters  + Glycerol C 3 H 5 (CO 2 R) 3  + 3 CH 3 OH → 3 CH 3 (CO 2 R) + C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 R is a long-chain alkyl group, typically a combination of C 16  and C 18  chains.

23. Residual Biomass Combustion Dewatering Digestion Co2 CH4 Sludge

24. Advantages of Algae-based Biodiesel High productivity • Carbon neutral • Can be grown in various environments • Implement an efficient nutrient cycling cycle • The significant decline in the competitiveness of food compared to fuel • Produces biofuels and other valuable products • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions • Use in wastewater treatment applications • Consumption of algae by pregnant women may prove advantageous due to their rich iron (Fe) content • Cyanobacteria are capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere to form fertile soil for plants to grow • Solar conversion efficiency is 10 times greater compared to plants • Premium-grade lipid composition may help promote overall well-being • Open ponds can be used to cultivate • A system covering several kilometers • Aquaculture nutrition can be provided as a source of nutrition for aquatic farms

25. Disadvantages of Algae-based Biodiesel High capital cost • Harvesting and drying costs • Contamination and stability issues • Scaling up for commercial production can be challenging Limited market and strong competition from other feedstocks • Land and water usage requirements • Expertise and infrastructure are needed for success • High temperatures pose a severe threat to open pond farming operations

26. Algae Species Lipid Content (% dry weight) Growth Conditions Advantages Chlorella sp. 28–32% Freshwater, wastewater, photobioreactors High lipid content, fast growth, easy to cultivate. Nannochloropsis sp. 20–50% Marine, brackish water High lipid content, grows in saline conditions, efficient CO₂ fixation. Botryococcus braunii 25–75% Freshwater Extremely high lipid content, produces hydrocarbons similar to fossil fuels. Dunaliella salina 20–30% Hypersaline environments, saltwater ponds Extremely high lipid content, produces hydrocarbons similar to fossil fuels. Scenedesmus sp. 20–45% Freshwater, wastewater Fast-growing, resistant to varying conditions, can be cultivated in wastewater. The most efficient algae species for biodiesel production

27. Algae Species Lipid Content (% dry weight) Growth Conditions Advantages Spirulina ( Arthrospira ) sp. 6-8% Freshwater, alkaline water Extremely fast growth, economically viable due to valuable co-products like proteins and pigments. Phaeodactylum tricornutum 20–30% Marine environments Efficient in lipid accumulation, high CO₂ fixation efficiency. Isochrysis galbana 25–33% Marine environments High lipid content, thrives in marine conditions, often used in aquaculture. Tetraselmis suecica 15-23% Marine environments Fast-growing in saltwater, tolerant to salinity changes, suitable for biodiesel and bioenergy applications. Skeletonema costatum 20-23% Marine environments, seawater Fast-growing diatom, good potential for large-scale biodiesel production, adaptable to photobioreactors and open ponds.

28. Challenges What are the challenges in algal biodiesel commercialization? What effect does producing biodiesel from algae have on reducing greenhouse gas emissions? What solutions have been proposed to reduce the high costs of producing biodiesel from algae?

29. Future What is the role of biotechnological advances in improving the production of biodiesel from algae? How can algae be used as part of a refinery approach to produce different products? What new research is needed in the field of improving the technology of producing biodiesel from algae?

30. Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats S W O T SWOT Analysis

31. Strengths S Algae productivity is higher compared to most effective crops. A large number of algae species can be farmed. The CO2 footprint of algae biodiesel is smaller than conventional diesel. Weaknesses W Biodiesel production from algae is an extremely energy-intensive process that, in some cases, results in a negative energy balance. Production costs are significantly higher compared to the production of conventional diesel. The water footprint is large

32. Opportunities O Optimization of the biodiesel production process by introducing less energy-intensive technologies. Application of post-harvest water recycling. Application of CO2 from flue gases for algae cultivation. Linking algae cultivation and wastewater treatment and biogas production from algal biomass residues. Increasing local employability

33. Threats T Promotion of the use of other renewable energy sources in transport such as hydrogen. Encouraging the use of battery–electric cars. The production of biogas from algae is economically more profitable than the production of biodiesel. Production of biodiesel from lignocellulose raw materials has ecological advantages over production from algae. The policies of many countries are to reduce the production and sales of diesel cars.

34. Possible Perspectives Linking biodiesel production and wastewater treatment Algal biomass-based co-products can provide the necessary revenue to reduce the net cost of biodiesel production, Developing and applying less energy-intensive technologies for the biodiesel production process, Application of algal biodiesel for blending aviation fuel which would lead to a reduction of CO2 emissions from air transport

35. Resources The Perspective of Large-Scale Production of Algae Biodiesel   Microalgae-based biodiesel production and its challenges and future opportunities: A review - ScienceDirect Sustainable production of biofuels from the algae-derived biomass | Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering   Biofuels, Important Biofuels, National Policy on Biofuels 2018 - PMF IAS   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hjb.2017.10.003   https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.970028  

36. Thank You Feel Free To Ask Questions 