This book addresses microalgae, which represent a very promising biomass resource for wastewater treatment and producing biofuels. Accordingly, microalgae are also an expanding sector in biofuels and wastewater treatment, as can be seen in several high-profile start-ups from around the globe, including Solix Biofuels, Craig Venter’s Synthetic Genomics, PetroSun, Chevron Corporation, ENN Group etc. In addition, a number of recent studies and patent applications have confirmed the value of modern microalgae for biofuels production and wastewater treatment systems. However, substantial inconsistencies have been observed in terms of system boundaries, scope, the cultivation of microalgae and oil extraction systems, production costs and economic viability, cost-lowering components, etc. Moreover, the downstream technologies and core principles involved in liquid fuel extraction from microalgae cells are still in their early stages, and not always adequate for industrial production. Accordingly, multilateral co-operation between universities, research institutes, governments, stakeholders and researchers is called for in order to make microalgae biofuels economical. Responding to this challenge, the book begins with a general introduction to microalgae and the algae industry, and subsequently discusses all major aspects of microalgal biotechnology, from strain isolation and robust strain development, to biofuel development, refinement and wastewater treatment.

This book is designed with the objective of studying microalgae and its application in the widest sense. Microalgae offer various inherent advantages as they are capable of accumulating lipids (20–70%), and able to aid with the production of pigments, carbohydrates, and proteins. The book comprehensively covers microalgae isolation techniques, their cultivation, and wastewater treatment by microalgae as well as the impact on biomass, lipid extraction, biofuel, and utilization of residual biomass focusing on biorefinery approach. The volume discusses the conversion of defatted oiled microalgae biomass for different applications. Acknowledging these challenges, this book discusses the limitations, outcomes, and economic aspects

This two-volume work presents comprehensive, accurate information on the present status and contemporary development in phycoremediation of various types of domestic and industrial wastewaters. The volume covers a mechanistic understanding of microalgae based treatment of wastewaters, including current challenges in the treatment of various organic and inorganic pollutants, and future opportunities of bioremediation of wastewater and industrial effluents on an algal platform. The editors compile the work of authors from around the globe, providing insight on key issues and state-of-the-art developments in algal bioremediation that is missing from the currently available body of literature. The volume hopes to serve as a much needed resource for professors, researchers and scientists interested in microalgae applications for wastewater treatment. Volume 2 addresses the various biorefinery aspects and applications of algal-based wastewater treatment in industrial and domestic contexts. The analyses are approached from multiple perspectives, including biotechnology, commercial, economic, and sustainability. The authors discuss the potential of microalgae for integrated biomass production utilizing various resources to treat wastewaters, and include evaluations of the economical and commercialization potential for such processes.

This book deals with the most emerging aspects of algal research with special reference to microalgae viz; diversity, mutations, genomics and metagenomics study, eco-physiology, culturing, microalgae for food and feed, biofuel production, harvesting of microalgae, separation, and purification of biochemicals, techno-economical assessment, microalgal biotechnology, algal-bacterial systems for wastewater treatment. It describes the complex issues associated with the above-mentioned areas with the intervention of cutting-edge biotechnological tools and techniques like next-generation sequencing methods, metabolomics, and bioreactor design and development. The chapters provide past developments, current information and future prospects of algal technology as an alternate avenue for waste water treatment and its potential for production of biofuel and nutraceuticals.

Valorization of Microalgal Biomass and Wastewater Treatment provides tools, techniques, data and case studies to demonstrate the use of algal biomass in the production of valuable products like biofuels, food and fertilizers, etc. Valorization has several advantages over conventional bioremediation processes as it helps reduce the costs of bioprocesses. Examples of several successfully commercialized technologies are provided throughout the book, giving insights into developing potential processes for valorization of different biomasses. Wastewater treatment by microalgae generates the biomass, which could be utilized for developing various other products, such as fertilizers and biofuels. This book will equip researchers and policymakers in the energy sector with the scientific methodology and metrics needed to develop strategies for a viable transition in the energy sector. It will be a key resource for students, researchers and practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge on energy planning, wastewater treatment and current and future trends. Presents a detailed coverage of the tools and techniques for valarization of algal biomass Includes detailed updates on the Life Cycle Assessment of microalgal wastewater treatment and biomass valorization, its challenges, prospectus, regulations and policies Provides case studies of real-life examples for researchers to replicate and learn from

Emphasizes recent advances in bioremediation techniques towards environmental sustainability Provides detailed information on how to harness indigenous bio-resources including microorganisms as bioenhancement agents for environmental remediation Introduces new frontiers in the area of waste water treatment using microalgae important for sustainability and water safety Reviews biotechniques that could enhance higher level of sustainability in heavily polluted environment as well as provides intelligent monitoring system for waste recycling and environmental remediation, and fostering a low-carbon renewable energy based bioeconomy. Discusses the need for review of existing guidelines on chlorine disinfectant usage for enhanced water quality

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.