In this study, liquefaction of Chlorella vulgaris biomass grown in photo-bioreactor using wastewater as source of nutrition was studied and influence of process parameters on the yield of bio-oil was analysed. Different biomass to water ratio (5g/200ml, 10g/200ml, 15g/200ml, and 20g/200ml) was taken and bio-oil yield at various temperatures ranging from 220 to 340°C was studied. Catalyst loading of the range 2.5-8%wt of NaOH was also studied to analyse the influence of catalyst concentration on bio-oil yield. Obtained bio-oil was characterized using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results showed that maximum bio-oil yield of 26.67%wt was observed at operating conditions of 300°C, 15g/200ml biomass load and 2.5%wt of NaOH at 60min holding time. Fatty acids and other high carbon compounds were detected in the bio-oil obtained through liquefaction process.
Keywords: Bio-oil; C. vulgaris; Liquefaction; Municipal waste water; Photo bioreactor.
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