Biodiesel Production from Chlorella sorokiniana Microalgae through In Situ Microwave Assisted Transesterification Heni Anggorowati, Danang Jaya, Wilis Kaswidjanti, Rashda Sa^adah, Melia Hirta Tirtasari, Putri Restu Dewati)*
Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta
Abstract
In facing global energy challenges and the environmental impact of fossil fuels, biodiesel is emerging as a sustainable alternative. This research focuses on Chlorella sorokiniana microalgae as a potential source for biodiesel production, which known for its high lipid content. This study aims to determine the harvest period of Chlorella sorokiniana and optimize the lipid extraction process to convert it into biodiesel with in situ transesterification process. Evaluation of microalgae weight ratio parameter to the solvent in the transesterification process was carried out. Density and acid number were checked to determine the quality of the biodiesel produced. From the experiment, it was found that the 11th day was the best time for harvesting. From transesterification process, it was obtained that the weight ratio of microalgae to solvent of 1:15 (w/v) provided an optimal biodiesel yield of 78.39%, with a density of 0.871 g/mL and with an acid number of 2.016.
