Algae-the potential future fuel: Challenges and prospects

Abstract

Algae are single or multicellular photosynthetic organisms that can fix the atmospheric carbon into valuable lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. These algae are also capable of growing vigorously in different habitats from freshwater to brackish water environments and wastewater streams with nutrient uptake ability. These features make the algae themselves uniquely important in biofuel generation and wastewater treatment process along with CO2 sequestrations without competing with food crop land. The algae can also be used as a substrate for various biofuel generations, bioethanol, bio-butanol, hydrogen, methane, and many commercially valuable products. The applicability and renewability of algal fuel are most promising for the future biotechnological applications. Optimization of algal growth conditions and harvesting technology with desired biofuel generations at low processing cost can make the algae as one of the best sources of energy for future generations. Genetically modified algae which are capable to grow rapidly with generating high cellular lipids and carbohydrate content can be crucial for future energy demand.