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An Overview of Algae Biofuel Production and Potential Environmental Impact (Journal Article)
Citation:
MENETREZ, M. Y. An Overview of Algae Biofuel Production and Potential Environmental Impact (Journal Article). Energy & Environmental Science. RSC Publishing, Cambridge, Uk, , 7703-7885, (2011). https://doi.org/10.1021/es300917r
Impact/Purpose:
Algae are one of the most potentially significant sources of biofuels in the future of renewable energy. A feedstock with almost unlimited applicability, algae can metabolize various waste streams (such as municipal wastewater, and carbon dioxide from power generation) and produce lipids, proteins and carbohydrates with a wide variety of uses. Depending on the species and growing conditions maintained, the algal growth cycle has demonstrated considerable flexibility in the cell's biochemical ability to manufacture varying compositions of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates such as starches and sugars can be used to produce ethanol. Lipids extracted from microalgae can be used to produce biodiesel. Protein production from algae has been established for human and animal food consumption, and for production of useful compounds for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and aquaculture purposes. However, questions remain regarding human exposure, resource demands and environmental impact which need to be addressed prior to the complete utilization of this potentially promising source of fuel.
Description:
Algae are one of the most potentially significant sources of biofuels in the future of renewable energy. A feedstock with almost unlimited applicability, algae can metabolize various waste streams (such as municipal wastewater, and carbon dioxide from power generation) and produce lipids, proteins and carbohydrates with a wide variety of uses. Depending on the species and growing conditions maintained, the algal growth cycle has demonstrated considerable flexibility in the cell's biochemical ability to manufacture varying compositions of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates such as starches and sugars can be used to produce ethanol. Lipids extracted from microalgae can be used to produce biodiesel. Protein production from algae has been established for human and animal food consumption, and for production of useful compounds for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and aquaculture purposes. However, questions remain regarding human exposure, resource demands and environmental impact which need to be addressed prior to the complete utilization of this potentially promising source of fuel.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: An Overview of Algae Biofuel Production and Potential Environmental Impact (Journal Article)
es300917r