Non-polar and polar solvents as well as their mixtures were tested for the extraction of microalgae lipids
and thus, to evaluate their effect on total and esterifiable lipids extraction yields with potential to be converted
to biodiesel. The obtained results show an increase in lipids and esterifiable lipids extraction yields
when non-polar and polar solvent mixtures were used. The higher esterifiable lipids extraction yield was
19.2% wt (based on dry biomass) using a chloroform–methanol mixture (75% v/v of methanol), corresponding
to a 98.9% wt esterifiable lipids extraction. In addition, esterifiable lipids extraction yield of
18.9% wt (based on dry biomass) was obtained when a petroleum ether–methanol mixture (75% v/v of
methanol) was used, corresponding to a 96.9% wt esterifiable lipids extraction.
Biodiesel profile at 30 C temperature is well supported by higher saturated fatty acids (SFA) to unsaturated
fatty acids (USFA) ratio. GP operation showed good COD and nutrient removal concomitant to the
biomass growth.
2014