Microalgae as a Feedstock for Biofuels

This concise review covers the potential use of microalgae for biofuel production. The following topics are highlighted: the advantages of microalgae over conventional biofuel-producing crops; technological processes for energy production using microalgae; microalgal biomass production systems, production rates and costs; algae cultivation strategies and main culture parameters; biomass harvesting technologies and cell disruption; CO2 sequestration; life cycle analysis; and algal biorefinery strategies. The conclusions section discusses the contribution of the technologies described to environmental sustainability and future prospects.

List of contents

Introduction.- Microalgae and biofules production.- Microalgal biomass production.- algal cultivation.- CO2 sequestration.- Microalgal biomass harvesting.- Cell disruption.- Production rates, production and processing costs.- Life cycle analysis.- Modelling approaches.- Algal biorefinery strategy.- Conclusions.

Summary

This Brief provides a concise review of the potential use of microalgae for biofuel production. The following topics are highlighted: the advantages of microalgae over conventional biofuel-producing crops; technological processes for energy production using microalgae; microalgal biomass production systems, production rates and costs; algae cultivation strategies and main culture parameters; biomass harvesting technologies and cell disruption; CO2 sequestration; life cycle analysis; and algal biorefinery strategies. The conclusions section discusses the contribution of the technologies described to environmental sustainability and future prospects.

Product details

• Authors: Luisa Gouveia
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.11.2010
• EAN: 9783642179969
• ISBN: 978-3-642-17996-9
• No. of pages: 68
• Weight: 132 g
• Illustrations: V, 68 p. 19 illus., 18 illus. in color.
• Series: SpringerBriefs in Microbiology; SpringerBriefs in Microbiology
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Microbiology; C, biotechnology, microbiology, environmental science, engineering & technology, Energy Policy, Economics and Management, Renewable and Green Energy, Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cellular biology (cytology), Renewable energy resources, Alternative & renewable energy sources & technology, Environmental engineering, Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Scientific equipment, experiments and techniques, Environmental science, engineering and technology, Cell Culture