Determining the Oil Content of Seaweed Native to Connecticut for Biofuel Production

Today, many of the energy-related environmental challenges facing the world have increased the need for cleaner alternative fuels, such as biofuels. Although biofuels have been in existence since several years ago, e.g., burning of wood for heat, they are now widely researched. An increased interest in green fuels calls for the development of the renewable energy sector, causing many developed countries to create a vision of switching away from petroleum usage by 2050 (i.e., The Go-Green Movement). The potential of biofuels is based on the characteristics of the plants they are extracted from. These plants mostly contain vegetable oil, fats, sugar, or cellulosic materials. For this research, we focused on seaweed, also known as macroalgae. Algae-based biofuels are third generation-based biofuels, which are ideal for biofuel production and are generated from specific algae species that utilize carbon dioxide. However, there have been arguments about the economic viability of this fuel.

Our research purpose was to determine the oil content of some of the local seaweeds in the state by comparing the yield of each species collected to determine which has the highest potential. The Soxhlet extraction method was employed for this research as we dealt with dried seaweed. The collected seaweeds (Fucus Distichus (Rockweed), Monostroma Grevillei (Sea Cellophane), and Ulva Linza (Mini Sea Lettuce)) from the Silver Sands State Park in Milford were dried with the tray drier. Oil was extracted by continuously heating a solvent until bio-oil was extracted completely from the seaweed. The solvent was evaporated from the mixture using a rotary evaporator, leaving the extract.

Based on the results obtained, the Sea Cellophane produced the highest yield at 6.64%, and this is due to its large surface area. Followed by the Rockweed at 4.74%. The Sea Lettuce gave the lowest yield at 3.62%, due to its small size and narrow shape. Based on the region of seaweed collection, low oil yields were obtained. Going further into the seawater, past the shoreline will increase the chances of collecting fresh seaweed with higher oil content. However, further research and additional oil extractions on fresh seaweed need to be performed to determine if higher yields can be achieved. Overall, this data shows some potential for the use of native Connecticut seaweed as a green fuel source.