Potential for Biodiesel Production of Selected Seaweed Species from Taklong Island, Guimaras
Lourde Frances Mye Almarza1, Sheena Gatila1 and Norielle Inosanto1
1Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus – Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City
Abstract
The total lipid content and fatty acid composition of Dictyota dichotoma, Padina minor, and Sargassum cristaefolium found in Taklong Island, Guimaras were evaluated for their biodiesel potential. The total lipid contents were determined using the Bligh and Dyer method while the fatty acid compositions were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Padina minor (11.00% of its weight(w)) showed the highest total lipid content, followed by Dictyota dichotoma (8.00% w), and the lowest is Sargassum cristaefolium (5.67% w). This study evaluated the lipid content of the species and supported established researches regarding conspecific variations between species. With a total lipid content exceeding 10%, Padina minor may be considered as a suitable candidate for biodiesel production in terms of total lipid content. The assessment of the biodiesel properties of the three seaweed species also passed the European biodiesel standards: EN 14214 and ASTM D6751-02.