Summary

This proposed research work will focus on production of bioethanol from macro marine algae. This synthetic procedure is expected to help our local and national scientific community. Algae which are the third generation feedstock for biofuels are an alternative for the first and second generation feedstocks due to their productivity, easily cultivation methods and convenient harvesting time. Recently, they are mostly utilized for biodiesel production because of their high lipid content. On the other hand, they have cellulosic structure and large amounts of carbohydrates embedded in, so they can also be utilized for bioethanol production directly or with the remains which is obtained after oil extraction. Since bioethanol production from conventional feedstock is considered for emitting more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels in consequence of the production steps and applications during the process, algal bioethanol production can overcome these problems. In comparison with conventional feedstocks, algal production areas don’t occupy agricultural lands and they needn’t use any fertilizer for cultivation. With these advantages and significant carbohydrate content, higher ethanol yields are obtained from algae. After the successful completion of this work, it is expected that at least two publications in the peer reviewed journal and two conference presentation in national or international level. This exposure will help to further spread out the capability and large scale applications of bioethanol. Above all, the preliminary studies will further provide a better avenue for the commercial application.

Objectives

Research Objective         

1. Produce bioethanol from different marine algal species Specific objectives ·        
2. To select the best algae that could be used as substrate for bio-ethanol production ·        
3. To separate different carbohydrates from marine algae ·        
4. To increase the yield of bio-ethanol by optimization of the fermentation conditions and media composition ·        
5. To study the effect of addition of different carbon and nitrogen sources on bio-ethanol productionTo compare the efficiency of lot of different methods of starch hydrolysis ·        
6. To compare the efficiency of lot of different methods of starch hydrolysis

Major Equipment Facilitated by Grant