ABSTRACT
Fossil fuel depletion, pollution, and other factors threaten humanity’s survival. To overcome these problems, microalgae-produced biodiesel can be used as an alternative fuel source. Microalgae have been recognized as a potential source for biodiesel production because of their high oil content and rapid biomass production. Due to the presence of natural oil in the form of tricylgylcerol, biodiesel production has focused on microalgae. Microalgal oil content is usually between 20% and 50%, and some strains can reach as high as 80%. A variety of photoautotrophic-based microalgal culture systems are available. Currently, suspension-based open ponds and enclosed photobioreactors are used to cultivate microalgae for biofuel production. Microalgae can also be used to reduce the amount of chemicals needed to clean and purify water. Thus, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the general public are showing increased interest in using microalgae as an alternative biodiesel feedstock. This chapter provides an overview of the commercial production of microalgae biodiesel and techniques to overcome the attendant challenges. The various cultivation modes of oil-rich microalgal biomass are also discussed. The chapter also addresses constraints faced in the commercialization of algal based biofuels.
