Characteristics of micro-algal biofuel from Botryococcus braunii

Decreasing fossil fuel resources, coupled with the steady increase in energy consumption, have urged the research interest in renewable and alternative energy sources. Biodiesel is a well-known alternative fuel. Since India invests more on importing edible oils, the exploitation of edible oils for engine fuel is not affordable. Therefore, consideration has been redirected toward non-edible feedstock that does not rely on food supply. One of the challenging alternatives is the macroalgae. In the present investigation, nonedible toxic marine macroalgae species (Botryococcus braunii algal oil) with high calorific value and high FFA, which are abundantly available in India and are underutilized, have been selected as a feedstock for the production of biodiesel. Thus, marine macroalgae serve as a potential renewable raw material for biodiesel production.