Possible Questions

1. Why did you use ANOVA?

ANOVA is generally used to compare the means of more than two samples. This can
be understood better with the help of an example.
In the study, we compare the bioethanol yield of non-edible microalgae (Liagora sp.)
using Candida tropicalis as microbial fermenter, and applying three (3) set-up
samples: Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), Sulfuric Acid (H 2SO4) and without Acid.)
2. Why is here a need to measure the sugar content? (refer to page 13)
The bioethanol production includes two processes; first involving Acid pre-treatment
which was carried out in this study to further degrade the complex sugar present in
macroalgae for seven (7) days. A 10 ml of 2M Hydrochloric Acid was added in each
sample. The filtrate was neutralized using 1% Sodium Hydroxide at pH 7. The
second involve the anaerobic fermentation of the lysate using Candida tropicalis as
microbial fermenter.
3. Why did you choose to use macroalgae in the study? (page 2)
The utilization of macroalgae, particularly the non-edible ones provide a new
horizon for bioethanol production. Macroalgae grows faster than terrestrial crops,
has a high sugar content for conversion to advanced biofuels and ethanol, absorbs
more airborne carbon than land-based plans, has no lignin, can be easily harvested
compared to microalgae and other terrestrial plants, requires no pre-treatment for
ethanol production, and can be harvested up six times a year in warm climates.
Identification of the best nonedible species of macroalgae present in the water of
Cagayan in terms of its biomass and sugar content; and utilizing the suited
microbial fermenter will provide a new opportunity for its utilization and
development.
4. Expound on/ Discuss the significance of the study.
Through this study, it is hoped that our countrys dependence on fossil fuels will be
substantially decreased, thus mitigating toxic and greenhouse gas effects,
consistent with our countrys sustainable development goals. Moreover, this study
will hopefully encourage the present and future generation to utilize seaweeds
instead of land resources (such as farms), as an alternative and indigenous source
of clean energy, in order to avoid limiting food sources, and endangering natural
habitats and biodiversity.
1

5. What are the applications/uses of Bioethanol?

Bioethanol can be used :

as a transport fuel to replace gasoline;
as a fuel for power generation by thermal combustion;
as a fuel for fuel cells by thermochemical reaction;
as a fuel in cogeneration systems; and
as a feedstock in the chemicals industry.
6. Give us an update on the status of bioethanol
demand/production/use in the Philippines. (page 7)
According to the Philippiness Department of Energy (DOE), the Philippines required
around 219 ML of bioethanol in 2010 to comply with the 5% by volume gasoline
blending mandate, as per the Biofuel Act of 2006 (RA 9367). The Acts blending rate
increased to 10% (by volume) in 2011, which is expected to displace around 461 ML
of mineral fuel demand. By 2014, the general increase in national fuel consumption
is projected to increase bioethanol demand to 536 ML annually (DOE, 2007). As of
2009, there were only two local bioethanol producers, Leyte Agri Corp, and San
Carlos Bioenergy Inc. Currently, the shortage of domestic bioethanol is met by
importing bioethanol from Brazil (Gatdula, 2010).
7. When and where did you perform the study?
Three kilograms of macroalgae (Ligoria sp.) was collected from the intertidal zone of
Palaui Island, Sta. Ana, Cagayan, particularly at Nangaramoan Beach, during low
tide, on ______.
The Percentage Dry Weight (PDW) Determination, Sugar Content Determination,
and the Bioethanol Production (Acid Pre-Treatment and Anaerobic fermentation)
was conducted in the _________________ laboratory, Cagayan State University (Main
Campus), under the supervision of Mr. ______________, faculty of CSU.