Biodiesel has similar properties to petroleum diesel and promises to be a better alternative. It is sustainable, biodegradable, non-toxic, and can be directly used in diesel engines producing lower harmful emissions and without the need for engine modification.
The use of vegetable oils for fuel production competes with their use as food stock and the developed agricultural lands. In addition, the price of vegetable oils is high and it was reported that 60-90% of biodiesel cost comes from the cost of the vegetable oils. Therefore, waste oils and fats have been suggested; nevertheless, these alternatives cannot satisfy the global demand of diesel fuel.
Microalgae, on the other hand, have proven to be the best source of oil production, due to its high production rate per unit area. The microalgae oil production is ten times higher than the best crops, and its composition is similar to that of vegetable oils. In addition, microalgae can utilize CO2 as the sole carbon source, which has the concurrent advantages of reducing harmful emissions and the dependency on food substrates, such as glucose. Furthermore, microalgae are capable of growing in saline water, which reduce freshwater loading.
A team of researchers from the Chemical Engineering Department at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have been working on a project called "Microalgae for Biodiesel" since 2010. The project is in collaboration with the Mechanical Engineering Department at UAEU and the Chemical and Materials Engineering Department at University of Auckland, New Zealand. A PhD student from UAEU, Eng. Hanifa AlBlooshi, has been working on this project supervised by Dr. Sulaiman Al-Zuhair, Associate Professor at the Chemical Engineering Department. The supervisory committee consists of Dr. Ali Al-Marzouqi from the Chemical Engineering Department, Prof. Yousif Haik from Mechanical Engineering Department and Prof. Mohamed Farid from the Chemical and Materials Engineering Department at University of Auckland. The team is also looking into extending the collaboration to include companies from the local industry.
Dr. Al-Zuhair said, "The project started with cultivating different species of microalgae to select a suitable strain for biodiesel production. Various parameters were evaluated including oil productivity, CO2 fixation rates and adaptability to harsh conditions, such as high temperature and salinity. In addition, enhancing oil contents of natural microalgae strains was achieved by controlling the growth media. For some strains, the lipid content was increased from just 9% to 21%. The possibility of using sewage wastewater for microalgae cultivation, to reduce the high freshwater load and to treat the wastewater at the same time, has also been tested. The research also looks at developing a process to extract oil from microalgae and simultaneously produce biodiesel. This could have a profound impact on future energy needs and the environment."
Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, UAEU Vice Chancellor commended the work of the researchers and said, "As a research intensive university we continue to contribute to this transforming knowledge economy and hope that in time, the UAE can become a biofuel leader."
About the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) - The National University
Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students. As the UAE's flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science. With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE.
As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world. The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments. UAEU is currently ranked the number one research university in the GCC, number two in the Arab World, and #370 globally.
UAEU's academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand. UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region. Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.
For further information contact:
Jean O' Neill, Communications & Marketing Manager
Tel: +971 (0)3 7135906
Email: media_enquiries@uaeu.ac.ae
© Press Release 2013
