This comprehensive book details the most recent advances in the microalgae biological sciences and engineering technologies for biomass and biofuel production in order to meet the ongoing need for new and affordable sources of food, chemicals and energy for future generations. The chapters explore new microalgae cultivation techniques, including solid (biofilm) systems, and heterotrophic production methods, while also critically investigating topics such as combining wastewater as a source of nutrients, the effect of CO2 on growth, and converting biomass to methane through anaerobic digestion. The book highlights innovative bioproduct optimization and molecular genetic techniques, applications of genomics and metabolomics, and the genetic engineering of microalgae strains targeting biocrude production. The latest developments in microalgae harvesting and dewatering technologies, which combine biomass production with electricity generation, are presented, along with detailed techno-economic modeling. This extensive volume was written by respected experts in their fields and is intended for a wide audience of researchers and engineers.

Inhalt

Past, present and future of microalgae cultivation developments.- Application of Various Immobilization Techniques for Algal Bioprocesses.- Potentials of exploiting heterotrophic metabolism for biodiesel oil production by microalgae.- Culture systems incorporating heterotrophic metabolism for biodiesel oil production by microalgae.- Wastewater as a source of nutrients for microalgae biomass production.- Algae-Based Wastewater Treatment for Biofuel Production: Processes, Species and Extraction Methods.- CO2 environmental bioremediation by microalgae.- Prospective applications of synthetic biology for algal bioproduct optimization.- Molecular Genetic Techniques for Algal Bioengineering.- Towards Applications of Genomics and Metabolic Modeling to Improve Algal Biomass Productivity.- Genetic Engineering for Microalgae Strain Improvement in Relation to Biocrude Production Systems.- Harvesting of microalgae by means of flocculation.- Industrial-scale microalgae pond primary dewatering chemistry for energy-efficient auto-flocculation.- Harvesting and downstream processing - and their economics.- Potential of Converting Solar Energy to Electricity and Chemical Energy.- The anaerobic digestion of microalgae biomass, Life-cycle Environmental Impacts of Biofuels and Co-products.- Economic and energy modelling for large scale algae production.