Biofuel and co-products from algae solvent extraction

This study reports a novel method of using algae biomass as a source of lipid and various other co-products. Solvent-based extraction techniques could yield a number of products simultaneously. Further, the study focuses on all possible characterization and utilization of the three layers obtained from chloroform-methanol extraction of lipids. The lipid from the chloroform layer was transesterified for Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) production. The fatty acid methyl esters derived by oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and phytol were majorly analysed by GC-MS. The methanol layer was analysed with HPLC and stachyose, maltotriose, glucose, fructose, acetic acid, butyric acid, DMSO, glycerol were identified. The cell debris was further physically activated, and physiochemical properties of raw algae, residual algae and algae bio-char were compared. Spectrum peaks of FTIR study identified many alkyl-halide stretches. Similarly, EDX analysed the presence of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, potassium, chlorine, calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. The SEM reveals that residual algae was comparatively crystalline and hence could not be utilized directly as an adsorbent. Therefore, further physical treatment was applied, and methylene blue dye adsorption study was also conducted to know the time and capacity of biochar as an adsorbent. However, organic and mineral enriched biomass could be used directly as fertilizer for agricultural purposes.