Releasing Stored Solar Energy within Pond Scum: Biodiesel from Algal Lipids

Microalgae have emerged as an attractive feedstock for the mass production of renewable transportation fuels due to their fast growth rate, flexible habitat preferences, and substantial oil yields. As an educational tool, a laboratory was developed that mimics emerging algal biofuel technology, including the extraction of algal lipids and transesterification into biodiesel. First, students were introduced to algae as an energy feedstock and taught how to cultivate and harvest algal biomass. Next, students learned how to convert algal biomass to a transportation fuel using transesterification and extraction, including an experimental comparison of base- and acid-catalyzed transesterification methods. The energy content of homemade algae biodiesel was determined and compared to soybean biodiesel and petroleum diesel using a homemade calorimeter.