IIT Roorkee Researchers Come Up with Solution for Producing Low-Cost Biofuels
- Researchers at IIT Roorkee have started a collaborated project to develop biofuel with the help of microalgae.
- The research has been conducted in order to come up with alternative fuel resources to reduce the burden on non-renewable rources
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee have come up with a solution through which production of low-cost biofuels is practically possible. Dr. Richa Katiyar associated with Centre for Transportation Systems, IIT Roorkee has led this research project. The project is collaborative in nature.
Professor B R Gurjar associated with Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Roorkee has investigated the use of CG (crude Glycerol) for the first time. CG has been used for heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae in PBR (Photo Bio Reactor). This process will enhance automotive quality biodiesel production.
Explaining about the research work, Professor B R Gurjar said that the demand for alternative fuel has been increasing since the existing reserves of crude oil are depleting rapidly. Earlier, the production of biodiesel from microalgae involved a higher cost of production. However, researchers at IIT Roorkee have been working consistently to figure out cost-effective production of biodiesel or biofuels, he added.
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Giving details about research work, Dr. Richa Katiyar explained that the production of biodiesel could be possible with Microalgae since it is considered as one of the finest resources. Microalgae have the capacity to produce high biomass and accumulate more lipids.
With a motive to increase the rate of production in a cost-effective manner, the researchers employed the use of heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae using low cost organic carbon-based feedstock such as fruits extracts, algal-based crude glycerol, municipal and industrial wastes, molasses and agro waste. Additionally, IIT Roorkee has developed a new technique could make antibiotics more effective.
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Adding further, Dr. Richa Katiyar mentioned that the cost of feedstock used for biodiesel production accounts over 60% to 70% in the total cost of biodiesel production from microalgae. The method devised by the team is highly eco-friendly, and no biodiversity loss is attached to it. The method increases waste minimization by using materials like agro- waste.