Optimization of Biofuel Production ProcessesUsing Algal Biomass: Yield Improvement andProcess Efficiency

Abstract

Algal biomass has emerged as one of the most promising renewable feedstocks for sustainable
biofuel production due to its rapid growth rate, high lipid content, and ability to utilize non-arable land and wastewater streams. However, large-scale deployment remains limited because of inefficiencies in cultivation, harvesting, extraction, and conversion processes. This research presents an extensive study on optimizing biofuel production from microalgae through enhanced biomass productivity, improved lipid accumulation, and increased conversion efficiency. A series of controlled experiments was conducted using Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oculata, focusing on optimizing nutrient supply, light intensity, CO₂ enrichment, flocculation-assisted harvesting, solvent-free lipid extraction, and transesterification reaction conditions. The optimized system achieved a 54 percent increase in biomass productivity, a 61 percent improvement in lipid yield, and a 47 percent increase in biodiesel conversion efficiency compared to baseline conditions. Field-scale simulation further indicated a reduction in overall energy consumption and processing time. Findings suggest that integrating nutrient stress cycles, high-efficiency LED lighting, gaseous CO₂ feeding, and hybrid extraction techniques significantly enhances yield while maintaining economic feasibility. The study concludes that targeted process optimization across the entire biofuel production chain can substantially advance algal biofuel commercialization and contribute meaningfully to global renewable energy demands.