This contributed volume presents the latest research and state-of-the-art approaches in the study of microalgae. It describes in detail technologies for the cultivation of marine, freshwater and extremophilic algae, as well as phototrophic biofilms, cyanobacterial mats and periphytons, including the media requirements and growth rates of different types of algae. The second part of the book is dedicated to the biotechnological applications of algal biomass and secondary metabolites produced by these organisms, and critically discusses topics such as algae-based biofuels and CO2 sequestration. In addition, it reviews the prospects and challenges of algal bioremediation of domestic and industrial wastewaters, including the use of planktonic and self-immobilized algae systems in wastewater treatment, explaining their merits and drawbacks. Lastly, it highlights research methods and approaches related to the production of high-value products and bioactive compounds.

This book initiates with a general introduction to microalgae and algal biotechnology with subsequent discussions on all the significant aspects of applied biotechnology, bioremediation, nano applications, multidimensional usages of algae as a biofertilizer, and a source of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals. Major themes of the book include algae and the environment, bioremediation using algae, algal-omics and applications, and large-scale bioprocesses for algal cultivation, its constraints and challenges. Features: Focusses on the importance of algae for a sustainable environment Covers algal bioplastics and other commercial products Explores possible utilization of algae in phyco/bioremediation Reviews algae as a biostimulant and biofertilizer Demonstrates challenges during algal cultivation on a large scale This book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in biotechnology, bioenergy, renewable energy, energy, bioremediation, fuel and petrochemicals, wastewater, novel technologies, clean technologies, bioremediation environmental, functional foods and nutraceuticals, marine and aquatic science.

In this book, researchers and practitioners working in the field present the major promises of algae biotechnology and they critically discuss the challenges arising from applications. Based on this assessment, the authors explore the great scientific, industrial and economic potential opened up by algae biotechnology. The first part of the book presents recent developments in key enabling technologies, which are the driving force to unleash the enormous potential of algae biotechnology. The second part of the book focuses on how practical applications of algae biotechnology may provide new solutions to some of the grand challenges of the 21st century. Algae offer great potential to support the building of a bio-based economy and they can contribute new solutions to some of the grand challenges of the 21st century. Despite significant progress, algae biotechnology is yet far from fulfilling its potential. How to unleash this enormous potential is the challenge that the own field is facing. New cultivation technologies and bioprocess engineering allow for optimization of the operation strategy of state-of the art industrial-scale production systems and they reduce the production costs. Parallel to this, new molecular technologies for genetic and metabolic engineering of (micro)algae develop quickly. The optimization of existing biochemical pathways or the introduction of pathway components makes high-yield production of specific metabolites possible. Novel screening technologies including high-throughput technologies enables testing of extremely large numbers of samples and, thus, allow for large scale modelling of biomolecular processes, which would have not been possible in the past. Moreover, profitable production can demand for integrated biorefining, which combines consecutive processes and various feedstocks to produce both transportation fuel, electric energy and valuable chemicals.

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.

This edited volume focuses on comprehensive state-of-the-art information about the practical aspects of cultivation, harvesting, biomass processing and biofuel production from algae. Chapters cover topics such as synthetic ecological engineering approaches towards sustainable production of biofuel feedstock, and algal biofuel production processes using wastewater. Readers will also discover more about the role of biotechnological engineering in improving ecophysiology, biomass and lipid yields. Particular attention is given to opportunities of commercialization of algal biofuels that provides a realistic assessment of various techno-economical aspects of pilot scale algal biofuel production. The authors also explore the pre-treatment of biomass, catalytic conversion of algal lipids and hydrothermal liquefaction with the biorefinery approach in detail. In a nut shell, this volume will provide a wealth of information based on a realistic evaluation of contemporary developments in algal biofuel research with an emphasis on pilot scale studies. Researchers studying and working in the areas of environmental science, biotechnology, genetic engineering and biochemistry will find this work instructive and informative.

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.

"Algae are mysterious and fascinating organisms that hold great potential for discovery and biotechnology." —Dr. Thierry Tonon, Department of Biology, University of York "Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it." —A.P.J. Abdul Kalam In this book, we emphasise the importance of algal biotechnology as a sustainable platform to replace the conventional fossil-based economy. With this focus, Volume 2 summarizes up-to-date literature knowledge and discusses the advances in algal cultivation, genetic improvement, wastewater treatment, resource recovery, commercial operation, and technoeconomic analysis of algal biotechnology. FEATURES Discusses in detail recent developments in algae cultivation and biomass harvesting Provides an overview of genetic engineering and algal-bacteria consortia to improve productivity Presents applications of algae in the area of wastewater treatment and resource recovery Provides case studies and technoeconomic analysis to understand the algal biorefinery Shashi Kant Bhatia, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea. Sanjeet Mehariya, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. Obulisamy Parthiba Karthikeyan, PhD, is a Research Scientist and Lecturer (Adjunct) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota, USA.