Current Status and Challenges of Microalgae as an Eco-Friendly Biofuel Feedstock: A Review

Abstract

Global warming, depleting energy reserve and raising demand have created a upsurge for alternative and environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. Currently, microalgae have recognized as a promising biofuel feedstock’s due to the several unique characteristics includes high productivity, no competition for arable land, fresh water and high CO2 sequestration efficiency. High caloric value, low density and low viscosity make it promising source of renewable energy. They also serve the dual purpose of biofuel production along with the production of potentially valuable biomass, which could be utilize for phyco-remediation, food, animal feeds, fertilizers, drugs etc. In spite of huge opportunity, only few algae species were investigated till date. This review paper presents the brief view on the potential of microalgae for biofuel feedstock, different culturing system, algal conversion technology. In addition, hurdles in commercialization of algal based biofuel technology and strategies were also discussed.