Algal Biofuels: A Credible Prospective?

Abstract

Global energy use has reached unprecedented levels and increasing human population, technological integration, and improving lifestyle will further fuel this demand. Fossil fuel based energy is our primary source of energy and it will remain to be in the near future. The effects from the use of this finite resource on the fate of our planet are only now being understood and recognised in the form of climate change. Renewable energy systems may offer a credible alternative to help maintain our lifestyle sustainably and there are a range of options that can be pursued. Biofuels, especially algae based, have gained significant publicity recently. The concept of making biofuels, biochemicals, and by-products works well theoretically and at small scale, but when considering scaleup, many solutions can be dismissed on either economical or ecological grounds. Even if an (cost-) effective method for algae cultivation is developed, other input parameters, namely, fixed nitrogen and fresh water, remain to be addressed. Furthermore, current processing routes for harvesting, drying, and extraction for conversion to subsequent products are economically unattractive. The strategies employed for various algae-based fuels are identified and it is suggested that ultimately only an integrated algal biorefinery concept may be the way forward.

Hydrothermal upgrading of algae paste: Inorganics and recycling potential in the aqueous phase

“…Nitrogen and Phosphorus based salts in particular are required in large quantities to support algal growth (Clarens et al, 2010;Johnson et al, 2013;Patel et al, 2012), and when implemented at scale, these inorganics may well become a limiting factor, especially considering the impending peak Phosphorus theory suggesting a shortage in coming decades with no real substitute possible (Beardsley, 2011). Even if sea water were used for commercial cultivation, the replenishment of nutrients, such as nitrogen-based ammonium salts, phosphorus and sulphates would still be necessary (Chebil and Yamasaki, 1998).…”

Growth of Cyanobacterium aponinum influenced by increasing salt concentrations and temperature

“…To be able to give a final statement about the economic feasibility of an algae production process using C. aponinum the actual biomass composition achievable in large scale and possible synergies with established procedures have to be evaluated (Patel et al 2012 ).…”

Algal biofuel: A promising perspective

“…Bio alcohols produced through fermentation of starch, cellulose, sugars, vegetable oil or animal fats [1]; mainly bioethanol derived from sugarcanes or corns are considered as first-generation fuels [2] Biodiesel: produced by Tran's esterification process is similar in composition to fossil/mineral diesel [1] Green diesel is produced from renewable feedstock rather than fossils or minerals and used in most diesel or fuels [1] Vegetable oil; usually non-edible and low-quality vegetable oil is preferred for preparing fuel [1] Bio ethers are also known as fuel ethers or oxygenated ethers are cost-effective compounds that enhance the octane rating [1] Biogas is methane produced through anaerobic digestion of an organic matter [1]Microalgae, macroalgae, seaweeds, cyanobacteria and yeasts are recognized as potential microorganisms for the production of biofuel [4] The concept of preparing algae-based biofuel have gained significant publicity recently due to cost effectiveness in their production parameters [6] There are several advantages of using algae for biofuel production; (a)Algal oil productivity is higher than any other as it grows throughout the year. (h) Algae can be easily grown and harvested in the large outdoors.…”

“…Biofuels derived from biological resources such as dead plants or animals or microorganisms, serve as an alternative means of energy; with the most popular being bio methanol and bioethanol [2] These biological factors can play an important role in substituting the chemical methods by adopting methods such as bio absorption, biofuel production, bioremediation, biodegradation, phytoremediation which will subside the effects of the pollutants in an environment. A variety of aliphatic and aromatic chemical compounds can be readily metabolized by microorganisms [1] Microalgae, macroalgae, seaweeds, cyanobacteria and yeasts are recognized as potential microorganisms for the production of biofuel [4] The concept of preparing algae based biofuel have gained significant publicity recently due to cost effectiveness in their production parameters [6].…”