A Holistic Approach to Managing Microalgae for Biofuel Applications

Author： Show Pau Loke Tang Malcolm S. Y. Nagarajan Dillirani Ling Tau Chuan Ooi Chien-Wei Chang Jo-Shu

Publisher： MDPI

E-ISSN： 1422-0067|18|1|215-215

ISSN： 1422-0067

Source： International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol.18, Iss.1, 2017-01, pp. : 215-215

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Abstract

Microalgae contribute up to 60% of the oxygen content in the Earth’s atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. Microalgae are abundantly available in the natural environment, thanks to their ability to survive and grow rapidly under harsh and inhospitable conditions. Microalgal cultivation is environmentally friendly because the microalgal biomass can be utilized for the productions of biofuels, food and feed supplements, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. The cultivation of microalgal also can complement approaches like carbon dioxide sequestration and bioremediation of wastewaters, thereby addressing the serious environmental concerns. This review focuses on the factors affecting microalgal cultures, techniques adapted to obtain high-density microalgal cultures in photobioreactors, and the conversion of microalgal biomass into biofuels. The applications of microalgae in carbon dioxide sequestration and phycoremediation of wastewater are also discussed.