The effect of different nutrients on the evidence of biodiesel in the algae species Oedogonium and Spirogyra
Kevin Sankoorikal
Research Question:
What is the effect of different nutrients on the evidence
of biodiesel in the algae species Oedogonium and
Spirogyra?
Hypothesis:
If certain samples of the algae species Oedogonium and
Spirogyra are grown in Miracle-Gro mediums, then the
evidence of biodiesel in those samples will increase.
Interesting Facts:
1. Using two filters with a buchner funnel can increase the amount of algae
filtered out of the medium.
2. The algae media will evaporate if not replaced periodically.
3. Aluminum foil is more effective in preventing evaporation than ParaFilm.
Method:
The algae were grown in separate containers. Algal oil was then extracted
from the samples using Methanol. The algal oil was converted to biodiesel
through the chemical process Transesterification.
Results:
Due to lack of a sufficient amount of dry algae, full Transesterification could
not be performed on the algae samples, but the Transesterification method
was shown to work on Canola oil. The algae species Oedogonium had a
higher dry weight than the algae species Spirogyra.
Suggestions for Future Research:
Use hexane instead of methanol as the chemical for oil extraction. In order
to provide a sufficient amount of dry algae, either purchase the algae or
collect them from a natural source.