View source for Evaluation of Oil extraction Ultrasonification of Chlorella Vulgaris grown in Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)

'''Ryan L. Reynoso'''

(MS Graduated: 2nd Sem 2010-2011)

'''Abstract'''
	
     
Microalgae can be processed to produce a variety of biofuels.  However, microalgae culture presents challenges due to the high cost of current methods.  To minimize the cost, a commercially available, inexpensive medium, chemical fertilizer 14:14:14 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) is utilized as the growth medium.  The extraction of oil via ultrasonication of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris grown in NPK is investigated. NPK in about 8 1 distilled water per batch is used at 28 ± 2°C with 12 h light and 12 h dark photoperiod and 1,500 lux light intensity.  The microalgae are then harvested during the exponential growth phase.  Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of the samples, utilizing chloroform:methanol (2:1) solvent at different temperatures and contact time is performed.  The analysis of the extracts demonstrates that ultrasonication at 1 h contact time and 60°C produces the highest oil yield at an average of 17.26%.  Furthermore, the results reveal that NPK can support the growth of C. vulgaris, thereby providing a more economical growth medium. Statistical tests show that ultrasonic time and temperature have significant effect on the amount of oil that can be extracted from the algae samples.


Subject Index : OIls and fats--Analysis

[[Category: Theses]]
[[Category: Energy Engineering Thesis]]
[[Category: College of Engineering Thesis]]