Emission reduction using improved fuel properties of algal oil biodiesel and its blends

ABSTRACT

In this present study, a brown macro algae (Stoechospermum marginatum) from marine ecosystem was used to extract bio-oil. The extracted algal oil was subjected to single-stage transesterification using methanol and sodium hydroxide to derive biodiesel. The transesterified algal oil improved the physiochemical properties with reduced engine emission. Higher cetane number and increased availability of oxygen content in algal biodiesel (ABD) resulted in lowering the hydrocarbon, carbon mono-oxide, and smoke emissions. Due to better combustion, the levels of carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen emission increased significantly. The experimental investigation ascertained that the ABD is a sustainable alternative to mineral diesel for its usage in compression ignition engine.

KEYWORDS:

• Stoechospermum marginatum
• transesterification
• exhaust emissions
• physiochemical properties
• oxygen concentration