Simultaneous lipid extraction and phosphorus removal from Chlorella sp. KR1 by acid treatment

Abstract

Increasing attentions on fossil fuel depletion and environmental concerns have motivated the development of renewable energy in recent years. Among various carbon neutral energy systems, microalgae is a promising renewable energy source. However, extracted microalgae oil contains some impurities which hinder deoxygenation by catalyst for subsequent conversion process. Phosphorus from phospholipid is the major component that causes catalytic poisoning. This paper focused on removing phosphorus among various impurities and to efficiently produce refined-lipids by acid pretreatment to wet Chlorella sp. KR1 biomass. Also, high shear mixer was applied for extraction in order to enhance lipid recovery.