Biofuel production from Macroalgae: present scenario and future scope

Abstract

The current fossil fuel reserves are not sufficient to meet the increasing demand and very soon will become exhausted. Pollution, global warming, and inflated oil prices have led the quest for renewable energy sources. Macroalgae (green, brown, and red marine seaweed) is gaining popularity as a viable and promising renewable source for biofuels production. Numerous researches have been conducted to access the potential of macroalgae for generating diverse bioproducts such as biofuels. The existence of components such as carbohydrates and lipids, and the lack or deficiency of lignin, create macroalgae an enviable feedstock for biofuels generation. This review briefly covers the potential macroalgal species promoting the production of biofuels and their cultivation methods. It also illustrates the biofuel generation pathway and its efficiency along with the recent techniques to accelerate the product yield. In addition, the current analysis focuses on a cost-effective sustainable generation of biofuel along with commercialization and scaleup.

The ever-lasting green tides: What can we do？

“…In addition, Bao et al (2015) used satellite data and a numerical model (FVCOM) to study the drift trajectory of green algae under tidal and surface winds, and found that wind became the dominant drift force of floating green algae in the northern Jiangsu shoal. This is consistent with satellite tracking of northward U. prolifera movement [ 12 , 14 ] and cruise observations [ 20 ].…”

“…To date, most research on macroalgal biomass use has focused on renewable energy sources. Current fossil fuel reserves are insufficient for the increasing demand of the expanding human population and will become depleted [ 10 , 12 ]. Production of biofuels (bio-gas, bioethanol, and crude oils) by macroalgae is potentially an environmentally sustainable option [ 1 , 12 ].…”

“…Current fossil fuel reserves are insufficient for the increasing demand of the expanding human population and will become depleted [ 10 , 12 ]. Production of biofuels (bio-gas, bioethanol, and crude oils) by macroalgae is potentially an environmentally sustainable option [ 1 , 12 ]. Replacing fossil fuels with marine energy renewable energy can decrease harm to air and water quality, supply chain and transportation risks, and operational costs [ 13 ].…”

“…Replacing fossil fuels with marine energy renewable energy can decrease harm to air and water quality, supply chain and transportation risks, and operational costs [ 13 ]. Moreover, macroalgae represent a good potential non-consumable biofuel source because they are considered safe and they can exponentially grow in saline water and adverse conditions [ 12 ].…”

Optimasi Proses Hidrolisis Rumput Laut Ulva Reticulata dengan Pelarut HNO3 untuk Produksi Bioetanol

“…Biomassa laut termasuk alga, saat ini menjadi pertimbangan untuk mengatasi isu pemanasan global dan sebagai alternatif bahan bakar nabati, karena memiliki produktivitas yang tinggi [1] . Makroalga sangat potensial sebagai sumber biofuel karena tidak dapat dikonsumsi, dapat tumbuh eksponensial dalam air garam, kondisi buruk, dan dalam air asin [2] . Kandungan karbohidrat dan lipid pada rumput laut dianggap dapat menjadi sumber energi terbarukan generasi ke-3 [3] .…”