Microalgae as a Feedstock for Biofuels

• Main Author: Gouveia, Luisa (Author)
• Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Format: Electronic eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2011.
• Series: SpringerBriefs in Microbiology
• Subjects: Life sciences.; Renewable energy resources.; Cell culture.; Microbiology.; Renewable energy sources.; Alternate energy sources.; Green energy industries.; Environmental engineering.; Biotechnology.; Life Sciences.; Renewable and Green Energy.; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology.; Cell Culture.
• Physical Description: V, 68 p. 19 illus., 18 illus. in color. online resource.
• ISBN: 9783642179976

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.