Abstract:
The production of Biodiesel from Sendesums species is one of the best alternative form of energy production forms biomass. In conjunction, it treats a wastewater and plays a significant role in CO2 sequestration process during cultivation and it’s non-edible and can be abundantly cultivated and grown on non- arable lands not suitable for higher plants. The aim of this thesis work is production of biodiesel from Sendesums species oil using goat bone calcium oxide (CaO) nanocatalyst which is prepared by calcination at 900 oC using muffle furnace and following by characterization using Electron Dispersive X-ray, Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Magnification and X-Ray Diffraction techniques. The result shows an average of 43.96 nm size with an irregular shape of particles, porous in structure and possesses many active sites. Sendesumus species were isolated and culture in Bold Basal Medium by using non-heat relising white florescence (2500lux) for 12:12 hours dark and light cycle. Oil extraction was carried from harvested, dried and grinded microalgae through Microwave assisted solvent extraction method. The physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity, acid value, and free fatty acids were estimated as 0.908 g/ml, 53.7 mm2/s, 1.96 mgKOH/g of oil and 0.981% respectively. The factors that affect the biodiesel yield in the transesterification reaction were investigated. An optimum yield of 92 % biodiesel was achieved at reaction temperature of 60 oC, 2%(Wt) catalyst and 11:1 methanol to oil molar ratio. The physicochemical properties of the produced biodiesel were determined and the results were in good agreement with the ASTM D675 standards. The results in this study indicate that Sendesums species are a promising source of feedstock for biodiesel production as an alternative source of fuel via microwave assisted oil extraction and use of waste material, goat bone, as a catalyst.