Biofuels from Algae

Résumé du livre

Biologically produced fuels are considered potential and viable alternatives to meet the world’s fuel requirements. In this context, algal-based oil is of significant importance due to its renewable and carbon-neutral nature. Biosynthesis of triglycerides by utilizing CO2 (by biofixation) or wastewater under stress conditions via photoautotrophic, heterotrophic (photo/dark), or mixotrophic mechanisms enumerates the potential of microalgae for generation of renewable biodiesel. In addition to the algal cultivation, the conversion of the accumulated lipids to biodiesel is gaining considerable interest. Though there exist some constraints, the process of harnessing biofuel from microalgae is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable compared to the other oil-producing terrestrial crops. This chapter explores biofuel production using microalgae. Concerted efforts are made in this chapter to discuss the biochemistry pertaining to algal lipid synthesis, nutritional modes of algae, cultivation systems used for algal oil production, and the cascade of steps involved, from biomass cultivation to transesterification of the fuel. The ability of microalgae to capture CO2 and its survivability in wastewater is also elaborated in the context of lipid synthesis.