BIOFUEL PRODUCTION FROM MICROALGAE AND EMERGING APPLICATIONS: A REVIEW
SHAKTI KETAN PRUSTY *
Department of Biotechnology, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
BHABANI SANKAR SATPATHY
Department of Biotechnology, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The concern about alternative energy sources is growing every day due to the emissions impact that damages the environment. Algae are a diverse group of aquatic organisms that have an abundance and ability to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions and produce high-productivity oil that has many potential applications in biofuel production, better known as the biofuel of the third generation. These biofuels of the third generation are the best alternative to the current situation as they have the prospect of eliminating most of the ecological problems created by using conventional fossil fuels. Such species are responsible for up to 50% of the photosynthesis cycle taking place on the planet and are primarily found in many marine environments. The great interest in using these organisms as a potential energy source is to convert both primary and secondary metabolites into useful products. As the most viable and renewable feedstock, algae are known to be the most popular option for future generations. The key process limitations in the production of microalgae biofuel are cost-effective and effective biomass harvesting.
Keywords: Algae, biofuels, fossil fuels, microalgae biofuels, photosynthesis, renewable feedstock