Production of Fatty Acid Methyl Esther from Wastewater Grown Algae

Abstract

Biodiesel is an alternative source of fuel that is non-toxic and biodegradable than conventional fossil-based fuel. In this research, biodiesel was produced by the cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). The lipid content of the algae was obtained using the solvent extraction method. Gas-chromatography mass spectrometer was used for the identification of Fatty Acid Methyl Esther (FAME). Based on the results of biodiesel analysis, the components of FAME confirmed in microalgae biomass are mostly saturated fatty acid and they include tridecyclic acid (C13:0), myristic acid (C14:0), pentadecylic acid (C15:0), palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0). These indicated that the biomass of C. sorokiniana after POME treatment has the potential to be used for bioenergy production.