Engine performance evaluation and emission test with B10 biodiesel blend from Chlorella vulgaris cultivated with aquaponics wastewater

Algae biodiesel shows promise as a renewable fuel due to its high productivity, CO2 absorption potential, and minimal competition with food crops compared to conventional biofuels. This study produced biodiesel through the direct transesterification of Chlorella vulgaris biomass cultivated with aquaponics wastewater. Engine performance and emissions were evaluated for a 10% algae biodiesel blend (B10) in a single-cylnder, four-stroke Kirloskar engine (TAF 1), compared to pure petroleum diesel (B0). The aim was to assess engine operability and potential emission reductions with this innovative biodiesel feedstock. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis by GC-MS showed that the biodiesel contained 33% 9-octadecanoic acid methyl ester, 25% hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, and 16% methyl 10-trans, 12-cis-octadecadienoate, indicating a mix of saturated and unsaturated chains. The presence of these compounds in biodiesel impacts good oxidative stability and enhances engine performance positively. Brake-specific fuel consumption decreased with increasing engine load for B10 versus B0, suggesting similar or improved fuel efficiency. Emissions testing demonstrated 50% and 60% reductions in carbon monoxide and smoke density, respectively, with B10 compared to pure diesel. The study highlights the potential of algae biodiesel from Chlorella vulgaris cultivated with aquaponics wastewater to improve engine performance and reduce emissions, presenting a novel integrated biorefinery model.