"Increasing energy demand due to the depletion of fossil fuels and the growth of the human population has prompted the search for renewable and sustainable energy feedstocks. Renewable and green biofuels, e.g., biodiesel and bioethanol, are touted as promising surrogates for fossil fuels. The first generation of biofuel feedstock is mainly derived from food sources, e.g., rapeseed oil and sugarcane, whereas second-generation feedstock is derived from inedible and waste sources, e.g., waste cooking oil and forest biomass. However, these feedstocks have several limitations such as a serious impact on the food supply chain, low productivity, and complicated pre-treatment processes. On the other hand, strategic biofuel production from third-generation feedstock, namely, microalgae, macroalgae and larvae, has opened a new direction in the renewable biofuel industries. The third-generation feedstocks offer several benefits, such as fast growing rate, less utilization of arable land and less impact on the food versus fuel feud. Thus, this book is intended to highlight the potential of these new feedstock for biofuel production as well as other applications. The book is mainly divided into three parts, which cover the discussion of upstream and downstream processing technologies of microalgae, macroalgae and larvae. This book is useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as researchers in the biofuel field to understand the overall process chain and conversion technologies of biofuels from third-generation feedstock"--

Biofuels made from algae are gaining attention as a domestic source of renewable fuel. However, with current technologies, scaling up production of algal biofuels to meet even 5 percent of U.S. transportation fuel needs could create unsustainable demands for energy, water, and nutrient resources. Continued research and development could yield innovations to address these challenges, but determining if algal biofuel is a viable fuel alternative will involve comparing the environmental, economic and social impacts of algal biofuel production and use to those associated with petroleum-based fuels and other fuel sources. Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels was produced at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy.

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.

Extensive effort is being made globally to develop various biofuels as an inexhaustible and renewable energy source. Biofuels are viewed as promising alternatives to conventional fossil fuels because they have the potential to eliminate major environmental problems such as global warming and climate change created by fossil fuels. Among the still-developing biofuel technologies, biodiesel production from algae offers a good prospect for large-scale practical use, considering the fact that algae are capable of producing much more yield than other biofuels such as corn and soybean crops. Although research on algae-based biofuel is still in its developing stage, extensive work on laboratory- and pilot-scale algae-harvesting systems with promising prospects has been reported. This chapter presents a discussion of the literature review of recent advances in algal biomass harvesting. The chapter focuses on stability and separability of algae and algae-harvesting methods. Challenges and prospects of algae harvesting are also outlined. The review aims to provide useful information for future development of efficient and commercially viable algal biodiesel production.

This book examines the utilization of algae for the development of useful products and processes with the emphasis towards green technologies and processes, and the requirements to make these viable. Serving as a complete reference guide to the production of biofuels and other value added products from micro and macro algae, it covers various aspects of algal biotechnology from the basics to large scale cultivation, harvesting and processing for a variety of products. It is authored and edited by respected world experts in the field of algal biotechnology and provides the most up to date and cutting edge information on developments in the field. Over the past decade there has been substantial focus and related literature on the application of algal biomass for the generation of novel processes and products. ‘Algae Biotechnology: Products and Processes’ encompasses a holistic approach to critically evaluating developments in the field of algal biotechnology whilst taking into account recent advances and building on the body of knowledge. Aspects of the effects of harmful algae are also discussed, as well as the potential commercial application of algal biotechnology, the techno-economic feasibility of algal biodiesel production and the use of genetic and metabolic engineering for the improvement of yield. Other bioenergy sources such as alcohol fuels, aviation fuels, biohydrogen and biogas are also covered. This book is intended for postgraduates and researchers working in the biofuels and algal industry; it constitutes ideal reference material for both early stage and established researchers.

Awareness of the dangers of toxic components in antifouling coatings has raised interest in the potential for nontoxic alternatives. Marine organisms from bacteria to invertebrates and plants use chemicals to communicate and defend themselves. This book explores natural based antifoulants, their ecological functions, methods of characterisation and possible uses in antifouling. The text takes on the challenge of identifying such compounds, designing sustainable production and incorporating them into antifouling coatings.

The term microalgae is often used in the algal research community to collectively describe microscopic algae and cyanobacteria. Research of microalgae has expanded enormously, namely because of their significant commercial potential. The thorough knowledge of the physiology of microalgae must precede any commercial exploitation. We have to understand the mechanisms underlying the physiological and biochemical processes in the algal cells. The book Microalgae - From Physiology to Application covers major aspects of microalgae physiology and the possible applications in the sphere of biotechnology. This book gives a comprehensive overview of what is known about microalgae growth and production, secondary metabolites, and development of new species and products for commercialization. This volume should allow readers at all levels an entry into the exciting world of algal research.