The Production of Microalgae as a Source of Biomass

Abstract

Whenever biomass is discussed today, agricultural crop residues as well as forest waste products are the first to be mentioned as the major sources of supply. Only in rare instances is the cultivation of other unconventional sources such as microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, algae) given consideration as a further possibility for the production of biomass. Yet, this “Single Cell Protein” (SCP) source, to use the collective term, may have significant potential. Thus, it is the aim of this article to give a general introduction and explore the possibilities and characteristics of microalgae biomass production and its utilization.