Macroalgae: Source for Sustainable Production of Biodiesel

Abstract

Globally in order to meet our future demand for transport fuels, there is a huge requirement for new sources of energy. Population growth and associated needs for increased food production drives a scenario of land space and water scarcity, which limits the potential contribution that terrestrial biofuel crops can make to future energy needs in a carbon-di-oxide rich world. In addition, intensive production of terrestrial bioenergy crops requires large amounts of energy intensive chemical fertilizer that contributes to environment pollution. Macroalgae are considered as one of the most promising feedstock for biodiesel production for the environmental and social benefits. Macroalgae have a faster growth rate compared to terrestrial plants. The technology to cultivate macroalgae in waste water without the need for additional fertilizer and with low dependence of freshwater is well developed in countries like Europe. Macroalgae has huge potential to provide a biomass substrate for energy production. Challenges exist in converting macroalgae lipids into algal biodiesel due to the unique characteristics of macroalgae and processing technologies. Recent technological advances in biorefinery present opportunities to develop sustainable and integrated productions of various liquid fuels from macroalgae biomass in economical way within the next decades. This review examines the recent progress of macroalgae based liquid biodiesel production with regard to characteristics and applicability of macroalgae as feedstock.