Algae as potential feedstock for the production of biofuels and value-added products: Opportunities and challenges

Manish Kumar, Yuqing Sun, Rashmi Rathour, Ashok Pandey, Indu Shekhar Thakur, Daniel C.W. Tsang

Research output: Journal article publicationReview articleAcademic researchpeer-review

319 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The current review explores the potential application of algal biomass for the production of biofuels and bio-based products. The variety of processes and pathways through which bio-valorization of algal biomass can be performed are described in this review. Various lipid extraction techniques from algal biomass along with transesterification reactions for biodiesel production are briefly discussed. Processes such as the pretreatment and saccharification of algal biomass, fermentation, gasification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and anaerobic digestion for the production of biohydrogen, bio-oils, biomethane, biochar (BC), and various bio-based products are reviewed in detail. The biorefinery model and its collaborative approach with various processes are highlighted for the production of eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective biofuels and value-added products. The authors also discuss opportunities and challenges related to bio-valorization of algal biomass and use their own perspective regarding the processes involved in production and the feasibility to make algal research a reality for the production of biofuels and bio-based products in a sustainable manner.

Original languageEnglish
Article number137116
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume716
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 May 2020

Keywords

  • Algal biomass
  • Bio-based chemicals
  • Biofuels production
  • Sustainable biorefinery
  • Waste management/recycling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution

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