Biofuel Obtained from Benthic Marine Flora Macrocystis pyrifera and its Characterization

The use of energy is fundamental in the main industrial, communications and other activities, it has become an essential resource in people's lives and in the development of peoples; However, some sources of its production have negative impacts on the environment, especially fossil and mineral sources that cause a greater negative impact. In Peru, in 2019, the energy sources were natural gas (including liquids) at 64.4%, mineral coal at 0.4%, crude oil at 10%; those from natural resources: hydropower 12.7%, firewood 8.8%, bagasse 2.1%, dung with yareta 0.5% and solar energy 0.4%. The objective of the research was to obtain biofuel and characterize it from benthic marine flora, specifically from the alga Macrocystis pyrifera. The method consisted of extracting the oil from three samples of 30 g of algae with three repetitions each, followed by a transesterification process and then separating it into phases with sodium methoxide, obtaining the biofuel. The results of the characterization of the product indicated a density of 0.8999 g/mL, kinematic viscosity 2.3314 cSt at 40 ° C, acid number of 0.344 mg KOH/g, carbon residue of 0.024% m/m, sulphated ash of 0.017%. m/m calorific value from 39.40 to 39.43 MJ/kg. These characteristics meet the specifications of EN 14214, ASTM D6751, ANP N ° 7/08 and NTP 321.125.2019 (an exception for kinematic viscosity that only met the first two named). In this way, it was shown that this natural resource turns out to be a viable alternative to be used as a source of bioenergy and with a low negative impact on the environment.