How Biodiesel Produced From Microalgae Was Used In Vulcanizer's Engine
Fossil fuels are the main source of energy in the world, powering much of modern civilization as we know it, from transportation to industrial applications.
With the current rate of consumption, geologists estimated that the fossil fuel might run out in the next 50 to 100 years.
Liquid fossil fuels (diesel) is the main source of production of diesel products and the most consumed. Millions of tons of diesel is consumed yearly and the need is still on the increase coupled with the adverse effect the usage is having on our environment (pollution). With these situatiins on ground, scientists are compelled to find better means that would not be at the expense of the needs of industries and also be eco-friendly - Biodiesel.
Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel, an alternative similar to the ‘fossil’ diesel. Biodiesel are produced from vegetable oils or animal fats consisting of long-chain alkyl esters. The process used to convert these oils to Biodiesel is called transesterification.
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I'll be sharing the work of one the lecturers in my alma mater who is currently working on microalgae as a source of biodiesel.
How Biodiesel Produced From Microalgae Was Used In Vulcaniser Engine - Adesalu
Dr. Adesalu
Dr. Adesalu Taofikat Abosede is an associate Professor and a lecturer in the Department of Botany, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
She is a Phycologist and has been working on plants under water for a while, discovering quite a number of new organisms. Her current work is on the use of direct saponification-esterification conversion (DSEC) to convert microalgae into biodiesel in a cost-effective manner, and how its commercialization can provide a new world of opportunities for clean, alternative energy in Nigerian homes, especially in rural areas.
Here is an excerpt from an interview with her during the research exhibition:
Congratulations on the latest breakthrough, can you take us through the events that led to your discovery of a cheaper way to use algae for production of biodiesel?
As a phycologist, I have always been on the path of solving one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) through research using microalgae but due to financing, many of those proposals were just there, not being commercialized. So, on the issue of biodiesel from microalgae, it is a known fact that some parts of the developed world have started using products from such research. It is also a known fact that Nigeria and Africa, in general, are endowed with natural resources in which micro and microalgae are among. So, I decided to use these untapped natural resources for the production of biodiesel since we have them abundant in our water bodies.
What materials are required to make this, and how assessible are they?
The major organism needed is microalgae, which are readily available and accessible in our waters. In addition to that, we need reagents and equipment which are, at this level of production, not too expensive.
Talking about running an engine, do you have a prototype engine specifically designed to run on biodiesel?
The University of Lagos does not have a prototype engine for now that I know of, but I am optimistic that we will have very soon. For this work, I had to call on one of the Vulcanizers on campus to allow me to use his vulcanizing machine to test the product. We ran other analysis to be sure the sensitivity of the product is good.
Is the machine still in use after the test on biodiesel?
Yes, the machine is a PMS one. I am glad that the vulcanizer willingly made his pumping machine available and we drained the fuel tanker, replaced its content with the biodiesel (from microalgae) and the engine roared into action. That was the result of the conversion of microalgae to produce biodiesel. We were so excited.
How much support have you benefited within and outside the university in this direction?
My understanding as a researcher is that you must have a written proposal to work with and writing a proposal is just a starting point (that is showing interest). On many occasions, I have written proposals in many areas in which this micro-algae can be used not only in bio-diesel. These organisms are also rich in vitamins, protein and can also be processed as a feedstock for ruminant animals and fish. However, support has not been so encouraging but, I am not discouraged and believed that it will attract necessary support from the government and industries. It is my belief that the Federal Government or any corporate organisation will show interest and we will want to invest in it. Nigeria and Africa stand to gain a lot from the outcome of researchers work if given necessary attention and financial support needed to move the country forward.
Concerning interface with the industry, how much interest or partnership has the department been able to attract from industries?
We have a Research and Innovation Office at the University and not in the department. With the outcome of this work, the office should be able to start considering partnering and showcasing the product to the industry. I strongly believe that the innovation office will do the needful to showcase us to industries and give professional advice on what to do next.
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