What are microalgae and why are they good sources of biodiesel?
Due to their relatively high lipid accumulation, the microalgal species are considered as a promising feedstock for biodiesel production [17]. The lipids obtained from microalgae are chemically similar to the conventional vegetable oils and so have been considered as a promising source for biodiesel [18].
What are the challenges of using algae to produce biofuels?
The algal biofuels production chain is outlined in Figure 3 and shows that the major challenges include strain isolation, nutrient sourcing and utilization, production management, harvesting, coproduct development, fuel extraction, refining and residual biomass utilization.
What is microalgae in biology?
Microalgae are photosynthetic unicellular microorganisms that have colonized a wide range of freshwater and marine ecosystems. All algae species can potentially accumulate energy-rich molecules such as oils and polysaccharides, besides having the capacity to produce protein-rich biomass, depending on the …
What are the biotechnological applications of products from microalgae?
Furthermore, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins are the main accessory light-harvesting complexes in microalgae and cyanobacteria. The topical biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of microalgae include anticancer, antidiabetic, antiHIV, antimalarial, antimicrobial, inter alia.
What is the role of microalgae?
Microalgae contribute to the planet’s sustainability, mainly by transforming CO2 into O2. They are the primary producers of biomass for aquatic systems, thus supporting life on Earth.
What is the function of microscopic algae?
Introduction. Microalgae contribute to the planet’s sustainability, mainly by transforming CO2 into O2. They are the primary producers of biomass for aquatic systems, thus supporting life on Earth.
What are three hypotheses given why algae produce toxins?
Scientists believe several factors may be in play, including increased scientific awareness of toxic species, increased runoff of nutrients from land, increased recreational use of coastal waters and fisheries and changing climate and oceanographic conditions.
What type of algae is used for biofuel?
aquatic unicellular green algae
Highest-yielding algae. The algae used in biodiesel production are usually aquatic unicellular green algae (Chlorophyceae). This type of algae is a photosynthetic eukaryote characterized by high growth rates and high population densities.
How is biodiesel made from microalgae?
The algal biodiesel production processes fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The chemical composition of biodiesel is generally produced by transesterification of algal oil in the presence of acid or alkali as a catalyst [5]. The biodiesel from algae can be derived directly from transesterification of algal biomass [9].
What are the negative effects of biofuels?
Disadvantages of Biofuels
- High Cost of Production. Even with all the benefits associated with biofuels, they are quite expensive to produce in the current market.
- Monoculture.
- Use of Fertilizers.
- Shortage of Food.
- Industrial Pollution.
- Water Use.
- Future Rise in Price.
- Changes in Land Use.
What are the harmful effects of algae?
Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. Pet and livestock illness/deaths can happen if animals consume large amounts of water containing blooms, scums or benthic mats.
Why do biological engineers want to use algae for biofuels?
Advantages for Biofuels A significant advantage of using algae for biofuels is that it need not displace farmland used for growing food sources. The Department of Energy reports that algae have the potential to yield at least 30 times more energy than land-based crops currently used to produce biofuels.
What is microalgae biodiesel?
Microalgae are tiny reservoirs of a plethora of biofuels. The diverse algal biofuels range from biodiesel, straight vegetable oil (SVO), lipids, ethanol and hydrogen. Biofuels are the need of today, and researchers around the globe are exploring the options for biological fuel production.