Modelling biodiesel production from microalgae, using industrial wastewater as a growth medium

Abstract

This paper presents a mathematical model validated with experimental data for the analysis of biodiesel production from microalgae biomass, using industrial wastewater as an alternative substrate. System dynamics methodology was used to develop the model, which represents biomass and lipid production, as well as biodiesel generation from microalgae oil. The simulation showed significant approximation for growth and lipid generation for Scenedesmus sp. Furthermore, it was shown that tannery wastewater would allow for increased biodiesel production by promoting the generation of biomass rich in lipids.