A comparison of the physicochemical properties of microalgae biodiesel with other oilseed feedstocks for sustainable energy production: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Biodiesel has emerged as an alternative diesel fuel, offering environmental advantages such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, and low emissions. This study conducted a meta-analysis to compare microalgae biodiesel with other oilseed feedstocks for sustainable energy production. The analysis involved compiling a database of published articles on biodiesel derived from microalgae and plant seeds. The results demonstrated that microalgae are one of the most promising feedstocks among various oilseeds. The cetane number and fuel density of biodiesel from microalgae were significantly higher than those from plant seeds (p<0.05). In conclusion, microalgae are a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production, surpassing traditional oil and crop sources, and can potentially mitigate the expansion of conventional agricultural practices. Moreover, microalgae can be cultivated year-round and in various climates, allowing for extended production seasons and site flexibility. Additionally, their utilization of waste streams as nutrient sources and non-requirement of arable land can contribute to reducing the environmental impact on other industries.