Microalgae Lipid Extraction for Biodiesel Production

Microalgal-based biodiesel has been under extensive research as a potential eco-friendly alternative to conventional fossil fuels, aiming to mitigate environmental pollution and reduce dependence on finite resources. However, despite ongoing research, large-scale production of biodiesel from microalgae remains a challenge. This chapter delves into innovative methods employed at different stages of microalgal biodiesel production involving various harvesting methods to efficiently gather microalgae, which is a critical step in maximizing yield and minimizing production costs. The importance of effective pre-treatment of algal biomass is emphasized by covering the transesterification process, where extracted lipids are converted into biodiesel. This chapter acknowledges the significance of complying with international standards like ASTM 6751-3 and EN 14214, which set quality benchmarks for biodiesel to ensure its successful commercialization.