Current Strategies Involved in Biofuel Production from Plants and Algae

Abstract

Global population is increasing day by day, which, in a way is leading to the utilization of natural resources and fuels. This phenomenon is gradually paving a way towards the depletion of these resources. One of such important necessity to human kind which is in the verge of depletion is the fossil fuel. Since it cannot be replenished, once it gets depleted, it cannot be produced again. Declining global oil producing capacity combined with a rising oil demand provides the most compelling global reason for alternative fuels. Present review focuses on the production of such fuels which are not only potential alternatives for fossil fuels, but also are eco-friendly in nature, which are called Biofuels. In this article, production of biofuel from plants & algae; advantages & disadvantages; and their role in effective replacement of existing fuels are mainly discussed.

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.…”

“…Syngas is the mixture of gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide and other hydrocarbons produced on incomplete combustion of biomass with the release of low amount oxygen which is not sufficient to convert biomass to carbon dioxide and water [1] Solid biofuels such as charcoal, wood shavings, dried manure, grass cuttings, etc. [1] Third generation Biofuels includes Cellulosic ethanol, bio hydrogen, wood diesel, Algal fuel, DMF, etc.…”

“…Algae with the high biomass, oil and starch content have captured the world wide attention towards the production of fuel from them termed as algal biofuel. Biofuels are fuels derived from dead or living plant or animal waste matter or any other biological source through any contemporary biological processes; but the most promising one with least environmental effects is algal biofuel which is categorized as third generation biofuel [1]. A major concern with the biofuels is their sustainability in an environment along with economic viability and cost effectiveness [16] Algal biofuel being an important need of the hour; its types, production and usage needs to be investigated.…”

“…Though petroleum products are the major source of energy in today's world; the release of hydrocarbons and toxic sulphur compounds from them has led to significant deterioration in the quality of soil, water and air [1]. It is estimated that the demand for petroleum fuel will rise to 45% by 2025 thus limiting the availability and supply of energy with the considerable increase in its prices.…”

“…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].…”