ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a review and deliberation on the latest development in algal harvesting through separation and concentration. Biofuels are perceived as favorable replacements for fossil fuels in alleviating environmental problems such as carbon emissions. Among the crops, algae are considered more promising because of their effective transformation of sunlight into chemical energy. Harvesting of algae is basically a process entailing the separation of the biomass from the growth media followed by concentration. Primary factors affecting the stability of microalgae are closely associated with surface charge, size, and density of the algal cells. Microstrainers are constructed with a rotary drum enclosed by a straining fabric made of either stainless steel or polyester. Algae of sizes smaller than the strainer could still pass through unharvested. The solids content of algae harvested through microstraining is still low and further dewatering is usually incorporated.
