Algae And Environmental Sustainability

This book presents the dynamic role of algae in a sustainable environment. Two major aspects, namely bioenergy and bioremediation, have been elaborated in various chapter contributed by scientists and teachers from different geographical areas throughout the world. Algal biofuels is an emerging area of equal interest to researchers, industries, and policy makers working or focusing on alternative (i.e. renewable) fuels. Algae have been an area of interest due to their wide range of applications. Over the last 5 decades, eukaryotic algae have been used in the aquaculture industry as feed for invertebrates, providing a rich source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, minerals and protein. More recently, there has been a focus on the use of algal biomass in the development of alternative fuels. The extraction of oil from algae has been widely explored as a much more viable feedstock than plant-based oils in large-scale fuel production. using algae as feedstock has the advantages that it doesn’t require arable land and that wastewater can be used as a source of nutrients in their culture. The multifunctional approach of algae includes pollution remediation, carbon sequestration, biofuels production, and delivery of value-added products. However, there are still some obstacles that need to be overcome to make their use as potential feedstock for biofuels techno-economically feasible. In order to maintain the sustainability aspect of algal biofuels, various aspects have to be studied and critically analyzed to assess the long-term sustainability of algal derived biofuels. This book discusses the role of algae as a promising future feedstock for biofuels. They are known to sequester carbon in much larger amounts than plants and as such the book also describes their phycoremediation potential for conventional as well as emerging contaminants. It describes the role of anaerobic digestion in algal biorefineries; bioreactions and process parameters; biogas recovery and reuse. The role of algal biofilm based technology in wastewater treatment and transforming waste into bio-products is discussed, and remediation of sewage water through algae is assessed. The book also describes the production of biohydrogen, bio-oil, biodiesel; and the major bottlenecks in their usage. The emerging characterization techniques of these biofuels (bio-oil and biodiesel) are described, as are the decolorizing potential of algae and the genetic engineering techniques that could enhance the production of lipids in algae. Other aspects of the book include the role of remote sensing technology in the monitoring of algae and a life cycle assessment of algal biofuels.

Today's planet faces several critical problems such as resource depletion, environmental destruction, and climate change that affect all areas of life as we know it. Figuring out how to address these issues and prioritizing Earth’s health has been at the forefront of study as it is a key issue that affects us all. One element that requires further investigation is algae regarding its potential for creating a more sustainable future across the food, energy, and environmental sectors. The Handbook of Research on Algae as a Sustainable Solution for Food, Energy, and the Environment provides insight into the biotechnological and biorefinery aspects of algae together with their unique applications in the agriculture and pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, this book considers the biological and biotechnological processes happening in the cultivation and harvesting of algae, DNA sequencing, and genomics of algae. Moreover, it examines the bio-remediation aspects of algae and its utilization to produce biofuels, methane, hydrogen, and other useful renewable sources of energy, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. Covering topics such as cell biology and food science, this reference work is ideal for academicians, researchers, industry professionals, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

This exciting book presents diverse applications of microalgal renewable resources to meet modern demands for energy and value-added products. It also comprehensively describes the role of algae in sustainable and cost-effective wastewater treatment strategies, and highlights the latest research on, advances in and biotechnological relevance of algae in the areas of bioenergy, bioremediation, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and green economy. The book addresses gaps in the fields of bioenergy, waste management, health and economy by providing broad information on bioenergy production, management strategies, drug development, nutraceuticals products and biobased economy using algae at the commercial level. The book introduces researchers to key and emerging innovations in the field of algal biology research and will assist policymakers, environmentalists, scientists, students and global thinkers in defining sustainable developmental goals for the future. Accordingly, it is an extremely important read for researchers and students in the environmental sciences, life sciences and chemistry, experts in the energy sector and policymakers alike.

Biofuels made from algae are gaining attention as a domestic source of renewable fuel. However, with current technologies, scaling up production of algal biofuels to meet even 5 percent of U.S. transportation fuel needs could create unsustainable demands for energy, water, and nutrient resources. Continued research and development could yield innovations to address these challenges, but determining if algal biofuel is a viable fuel alternative will involve comparing the environmental, economic and social impacts of algal biofuel production and use to those associated with petroleum-based fuels and other fuel sources. Sustainable Development of Algal Biofuels was produced at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Algal and sustainable technologies: Bioenergy, Nannotechnology and Green chemistry is an interdisciplinary overview of the world’s major problems; water scarcity, clean environment and energy and their sustenance remedy measures using microalgae. It comprehensively presents the way to tackle the socio-economic issues including food, feed, fuel, medicine and health and also entails the untapped potential of microalgae in environmental management, bioenergy solution and sustainable synthesis of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. This book basically emphasizes the success of algae as wonderful feed stocks of future and provides upto date information and sustainable and recreational outlook towards degrading environment and energy crisis. Applicability of fast emerging algae based nanotechnology in bioremediation and production of nanoparticle (AuNP, AgNP etc) are beautifully described along with latest research and findings. Key features: The "waste to best to income" strategies are the main concern of the book and take the edge off the problem of pollution, energy and income. Elucidate the sustainable phycoremediation and nanoparticle functions as low cost approach for various ecosystem services. Information regarding pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and other algae based value added product synthesis and fate are comprehensively discussed. Knowledge resource, latest research, findings and prospects presented in an accessible manner for researchers, students, eminent scientists, entrepreneurs, professionals and policy maker.

"This book provides an opportunity to the readers to understand about the biological and biotechnological processes going on in the cultivation and harvesting of algae, DNA sequencing, and genomics of algae, giving detailed insight into various applications of algal biomass in agriculture, food, feed, and medicines"--

Biomass, Biofuels, and Biochemicals: Algae-Based Biomaterials for Sustainable Development, Biomedical, Environmental Remediation and Sustainability Assessment, a new release in the Biomass, Biofuels, and Biochemicals series, covers algae-based biomaterials—the green and renewable material that can be produced from various micro- and macro-algae species and utilized for several applications, including biomedical healthcare and environmental remediation. The book provides assessments of the current development of algae-based biomaterials, delivering information on diverse feedstocks and technologies for biomaterial production with a perspective surrounding sustainable development. In addition, circular bioeconomy aspects are included, giving researchers a comprehensive, sustainable development view. This valuable addition to the series delivers a much-needed reference for today’s applications in biomedical and environmental remediation. Comprises the advanced production of algae-based biomaterials from various micro- and macro-algae feedstocks Describes up-to-date applications of algae-based biomaterials for environmental remediation, including pollutants and greenhouse gases Helps explain the sustainable development of algae-based biomaterials, looking at sustainable assessments and circular bioeconomy aspects