Investigation of biomass properties of algae growing in Iskenderun bay

Human development is directly or indirectly related to the existence and use of energy. Energy is required to be in a form that meets human needs. In addition, it is desired by human beings that the type of energy to be used does not affect the quality of life of people while meeting human needs, and that it does not limit their basic needs. As the population increases, the energy demand also increases in direct proportion. This increase in energy demand has led people to search for renewable energy sources from non-renewable energy sources. In this study, which was carried out to determine the potential of algae, which can be one of the biofuel types of the future, its usability as biofuel was investigated based on the biomass properties of algae. In this context, the raw material of the Chaetomorpha Linum algae species was subjected to carbonization at different temperatures (400 oC, 500 oC, 600 oC, 700 oC) and at different heating rates (10 oC/min. 30 oC/min. 50 oC/min.). Ash determination test, calorific value, elemental analysis, XRD analysis, SEM analysis, FTIR analysis and DTA-TGA analyzes of the samples obtained from the carbonization process were performed. XRD analysis is: Obtained by X-ray diffractometry using CuKα (λ=1.5405 Å) source. Scans were recorded in the range of 10°<2θ<80o with a 0.1-degree step, at a speed of 6 degrees per minute. In the calorific value experiments, both solid and liquid samples were measured. It was observed that the parameters examined in the study showed differences in each sample. It has been observed that the best data for the heating value is the measurement made at 600 oC (50 oC/min. heating rate). The data required in elemental analyzes are 600 oC for the element carbon (at a heating rate of 30 oC/min), 600 oC for the element sulfur (at a heating rate of 50 oC/min), 700 oC for the element hydrogen (at a heating rate of 10 oC/min), oxygen element is 400 oC (at 30 oC/min. heating rate), 700 oC (at 10 oC/min. heating rate) for nitrogen element. As a result of SEM images, it can be said that the samples at 600 oC (at 50 oC/min. heating rate) and 700 oC (at 10 oC/min. heating rate) have a more flexible structure and their molecular bonds are stronger than other sample groups. As a result of the analysis, it was understood that Chaetomorpha Linum has an ellipsoid-shaped appearance. According to FTIR analysis: It was observed that the crystallized state in the structure of Chaetomorpha Linum, which was exposed to different temperature levels, increased at higher temperatures, while it was observed that the transformation into crystallized state occurred more slowly at lower temperatures. Algae is an important biomass that grows naturally and removes pollution. Despite its high moisture content, it can be used alone and/or mixed with other wastes in energy production since it is very high in quantity. Although its caloric value is low as a result of carbonization, it can be used as fuel and/or raw material in the cement industry due to its inorganic structure. When completely burned, the ash can be used in cement production as a raw material.