Microalgae for biodiesel production and other applications: A review

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Teresa M. Mata (Author) FEUP; Martins, AA (Author) Other; Nídia de Sá Caetano (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Vol. 14

Pages: 217-232

ISSN: 1364-0321

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2419 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 2817 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Chemical engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Chemical engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-CM1

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2009.07.020

Abstract (EN): Sustainable production of renewable energy is being hotly debated globally since it is increasingly understood that first generation biofuels, primarily produced from food crops and mostly oil seeds are limited in their ability to achieve targets for biofuel production, climate change mitigation and economic growth. These concerns have increased the interest in developing second generation biofuels produced from non-food feedstocks such as microalgae, which potentially offer greatest opportunities in the longer term. This paper reviews the current status of microalgae use for biodiesel production, including their cultivation, harvesting, and processing. The microalgae species most used for biodiesel production are presented and their main advantages described in comparison with other available biodiesel feedstocks. The various aspects associated with the design of microalgae production units are described, giving an overview of the current state of development of algae cultivation systems (photo-bioreactors and open ponds). Other potential applications and products from microalgae are also presented such as for biological sequestration Of CO(2), wastewater treatment, in human health, as food additive, and for aquaculture.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16