The Potential of Marine Microalgae for the Production of Food, Feed, and Fuel (3F)

Abstract

Whole-cell microalgae biomass and their specific metabolites are excellent sources of renewable and alternative feedstock for various products. In most cases, the content and quality of whole-cell biomass or specific microalgal metabolites could be produced by both fresh and marine microalgae strains. However, a large water footprint for freshwater microalgae strain is a big concern, especially if the biomass is intended for non-food applications. Therefore, if any marine microalgae could produce biomass of desired quality, it would have a competitive edge over freshwater microalgae. Apart from biofuels, recently, microalgal biomass has gained considerable attention as food ingredients for both humans and animals and feedstock for different bulk chemicals. In this regard, several technologies are being developed to utilize marine microalgae in the production of food, feed, and biofuels. Nevertheless, the production of suitable and cheap biomass feedstock using marine microalgae has faced several challenges associated with cultivation and downstream processing. This review will explore the potential pathways, associated challenges, and future directions of developing marine microalgae biomass-based food, feed, and fuels (3F).

Integrated Marine Biogas: A Promising Approach towards Sustainability

“…So far, many eukaryotic and prokaryotic (Cyanophyta) microalgae are identified as promising candidates for value-added products and biofuel, and some are currently available on an industrial scale [81]. Halophilic microalgae include a wide variety of salt tolerant organisms, which are not only resistant to high salinity but can adsorb and concentrate the solutes in their cells at higher concentrations than the surrounding environment [82]. For instance, the green microalga Dunaliella salina is a common halophile with the ability to live at high salt concertation of 3 M NaCl [83], and it showed the highest growth of 2.32 g L −1 at salinity of 150% through stepwise adaptation.…”

Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Diverse Marine Microalgae and Their Potential Antioxidant Activities

“…[3] In this case, the utilization of seawater emerges a virtually boundless resource for microalgal cultivation, with a staggering 97 % of the world's surface comprised of seawater. [4] Certain well-established species (e. g., Spirulina sp. and Chlorella sp.)…”

“…Their rapid growth rate and abbreviated life cycle, coupled with their superior areal biomass productivity, often surpass the metrics observed in several terrestrial plants, although the specific metabolic profiles and growth requirements of these strains can vary considerably [3] . In this case, the utilization of seawater emerges a virtually boundless resource for microalgal cultivation, with a staggering 97 % of the world's surface comprised of seawater [4] . Certain well‐established species (e. g., Spirulina sp .…”

Assessment of the Quality of the Aquatic Environment in the Areas Bordering the Development of Fishing Activities

“…Numerous studies have highlighted the qualities of phytoplankton as a source of proteins, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for aquatic species, it being successfully used in fish food as support for growth and development, as well as for stimulating their immunity [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]. Starting from the premise of a stable ecosystem at the local/regional level, a set of factors can be prescribed to support the efficiency of fishing activities and aquaculture/marine culture farms and even the financial support by the competent bodies of some fish farms within the protected sites of Natura 2000.…”