Uses of Algae

Algae biomass is considered one of the most promising feedstocks for bioenergy and biobased products. Algae are considered promising candidates in the renewable energy market as third-generation biofuels and ideal ingredients for natural dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and animal feeds. Several microalgae are being used to capture atmospheric CO₂. In addition, they can grow particularly well in industrial wastewater containing high levels of nutrients.

Algae applications are diverse and include human nutrition and health (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food); food production (aquaculture, animal feed, and agriculture); materials and energy (chemical feedstocks, bioplastics, and biofuels); and bioremediation (CO₂ capture from flue gases, soil regeneration, and wastewater treatment). The diversity of algae-derived products creates the concept of a third-generation biorefinery.