LAUSR

Abstract In this paper the study, in terms of cultivation, harvesting, oil transesterification and pelletization of ten microalgae species is presented. According to the results, regarding biodiesel production, the most promising species were Nannochloropsis gaditana (47% wd lipids), Isochrysis galbana (25% wd) and Chlorella vulgaris (18% wd). Best harvesting methods and drying efficiencies have been also evaluated: 86, 84, 80% respectively. On the other hand, microalgae residues showed good densification properties. Tetraselmis suecica complies with the UNE EN-ISO 17225-2 normative, presenting low efficiencies for harvesting (42%) and drying (79.02% humidity), in addition to a poor quality of lipid percentage (7%). In addition, the results of pellet combustion ashes obtained for the all studied species were very high (Thalassiosira pseudonana or Isochrysis galbana with 53.43 and 55.19 wt% w.b respectively). Chlorella vulgaris is the most promising of the ten species studied, followed by Nannochloropsis gaditana.