Biofuel Production Using Cultivated Algae: Technologies, Economics, and Its Environmental Impacts

The process of looking for alternative energy sources is driven by the increasing demand for energy and environmental contamination caused by using fossil fuels. Recent investigations reported the efficiency of microalgae for biofuel production due to its low cost of production, high speed of growth, and ability to grow in harsh environments. In addition, many microalgae are photosynthetic, consuming CO2 and solar light to grow in biomass and providing a promising bioenergy source. This review presents the recent advances in the application of microalgae for biofuel production. In addition, cultivation and harvesting systems and environmental factors that affect microalgae cultivation for biofuel production have also been discussed. Moreover, lipid extraction and conversion technologies to biofuel are presented. The mixotrophic cultivation strategy is promising as it combines the advantages of heterotrophy and autotrophy. Green harvesting methods such as using bio-coagulants and flocculants are promising technologies to reduce the cost of microalgal biomass production. In the future, more investigations into co-cultivation systems, new green harvesting methods, high lipids extraction methods, and the optimization of lipid extraction and converting processes should be implemented to increase the sustainability of microalgae application for biofuel production.

Automated summary

The search for alternative energy sources is driven by increasing energy demands and environmental pollution caused by fossil fuel usage. Recent investigations have reported the efficiency of microalgae for biofuel production due to its low production cost, rapid growth rate, and ability to thrive in harsh environments. This review discusses the latest advances in the application of microalgae for biofuel production, including cultivation and harvesting systems, environmental factors affecting cultivation, and lipid extraction and conversion technologies. Furthermore, promising strategies such as mixotrophic cultivation and green harvesting methods using bio-coagulants and flocculants are also presented. Future research should focus on co-cultivation systems, new green harvesting methods, high lipid extraction methods, and optimizing lipid extraction and conversion processes to enhance the sustainability of microalgae application for biofuel production.