Impact of microalgae characteristics on their conversion to biofuel. Part II: Focus on biomethane production

Among biofuel production processes using microalgal biomass, biogas generation seems to be the least complex. This review summarizes information regarding anaerobic digestion of different microalgae species. Various operational parameters and microalgae characteristics (macromolecular distribution and cell wall) are reviewed in the light of their effects on methane production. Additionally, the enhancement of methane production rates achievable by applying biomass pre-treatments and codigestion of substrates is also reported. The review finally covers the so-claimed similarities of microalgal biomass and activated sludge as a substrate for anaerobic digestion. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd