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Date Permissions Signed

5-2-2016

Date of Award

Winter 2016

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

O’Neil, Gregory, (Gregory W.)

Second Advisor

Vyvyan, James R.

Third Advisor

Bussell, Mark E.

Abstract

A select few strains of marine microalgae, such as Isochrysis sp., produce high-melting (∼70 °C) lipids known as long-chain alkenones that detrimentally affect biodiesel fuel quality. A method has been developed for the production of an alkenone-free Isochrysis biodiesel. This material was prepared on sufficient scale to allow for extensive analysis according to ASTM standards. Results revealed that while cold flow improved by removal of these high-melting components, a cloud point was still unattainable due to the fuels dark pigment. Further effort in relating the presence of alkenones and the resulting cloud point of the biodiesel, led to decolorization of algal biodiesel in order to obtain a cloud point value. The decolorization of the biodiesel resulted in improved fuel properties and allowed for measurement of the cloud point of the fuel. In parallel to the biodiesel production from Isochrysis sp. value added products biosynthesized by the algae have been isolated and investigated for their ability to offset fuel prices.

Type

Text

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/3azv-2148

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

950470010

Subject – LCSH

Microalgae--Biotechnology; Biomass energy; Biodiesel fuels

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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