Optimization of a one-step direct process for biodiesel production from blended sewage sludge

Biodiesel production from blended sewage sludge (BSS) by a one-step direct process was investigated, and optimal conditions for this process were determined. The one-step direct process comprises extraction of lipids from BSS and simultaneous transesterification of these lipids with methanol. Among the organic solvents evaluated, pure methanol showed higher biodiesel yields compared with other solvents or solvent mixtures. The optimum conditions determined included 10 mL of methanol/g-BSS, 0.7% (g/g-BSS) of H2SO4, 60 A degrees C, 4 h of reaction time and 300 rpm of agitation speed. Under these conditions, biodiesel yield was 3.1% (g-biodiesel/g-BSS), which was 63.2% higher than that obtained under initial conditions, and 24.0%-63.2% higher than those obtained in previous studies.