An Application of Dunaliella Salina Algae: Biodiesel

Biodiesel has been receiving increasing attention as a potential sustainable fuel. It is used for diesel engines and is becoming well-known as an environmentally friendly fuel due to its non-toxic and biodegradable characteristics. As biodiesel production, Dunaliella salina algae could be an alternative raw material. Due to their high biomass productivity, rapid lipid accumulation, and ability to survive in saline water, algae has been identified as promising feedstocks for industrial-scale production of biodiesel [1]. The oil content of Dunaliella salina algae may exceed to 35%. Using two-step catalytic conversion, algae oil with high free fatty acid and triglyceride content was converted to biodiesel by esterification and transesterification. The conversion rate reached 98% under the ratio of 10:1 at 65°C for 2h,using catalysis with 2% solid superacid.