• PIYUSHI NAUTIYAL
• Ashok Kumar

Use of petroleum sourced fuels is extensively considered as unsustainable due to their finite resources and enhanced pollution load on the ambient environment. On the other hand, need of energy is increasing continuously with rapid increase in urbanization and industrialization. Microalgae are abundantly available and being renewable offer potential opportunities for biodiesel production as it is carbon neutral fuel. Oil content in microalgae can exceed 80% by weight of dry biomass, but such algae have low productivities. Microalgae with high productivity and oil levels between 20 and 50% include Chlorella, Dunaliella, Isochrysis, Nannochloropsis, Neochloris, Porphyridium, Schizochytrium, and Tetraselmis. In the present study, pure cultures of Chlorella and Spirulina algae were investigated for their characteristic properties with an aim to examine their potential for biodiesel production. The algae species were grown in sterile BG media, non-sterile tap water and pond water. Characterization of algae biomass and oil extracted from algae was done using proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. Keeping in mind viability of large scale application, a comparative study was also carried out using mixed culture algae procured from natural pond water. The findings of the above study strongly indicate the suitability of algae oil for biodiesel production.

Microalgae, Biodiesel, Characterization, Renewable.

"BIOFUEL FROM MICROALGAE: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOURCE", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.189-193, June-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906462.pdf

"BIOFUEL FROM MICROALGAE: SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOURCE", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp189-193, June-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906462.pdf