Extraction of Biofuel from Oscillotoria

Shalini Ayyappan Nair, Nayana Jose

Abstract: With hiking energy prices, biofuel as an alternative fuel is coming to attention. Currently, biofuel is made from a variety of feed stocks such as vegetable and animal fat; however, the limited supply of feedstock impedes the further expansion of biofuel production. Microalgae have long been recognized as potentially good sources for biofuel production because of their high oil content and rapid biomass production. Biofuel from microalgae seems to be most promising renewable biofuel that can have the potential to completely displace petroleum derived transport fuel without adversely affecting supply of food and other crop products. In the present study I used oscillotoria, a type of blue green algae from wastewater, as a feedstock for biofuel production. Algal biofuel was produced by the collection of algae from different sources, screening and isolation by lab culture. Open pond cultivations in artificial pond was done followed by harvesting and oil extraction using soxhlet apparatus. Yield was low since natural conditions are only provided. Further studies needed to carry out by providing artificial condition to make a clear idea of the potentiality of commercialization

Keywords: Microalgae, feedstock, biofuel, soxhlet apparatus, oscillotoria