Diverse aquatic organisms known as algae are becoming more and more appreciated for their potential as a renewable and sustainable resource. Biofuels, food and animal feed, medicines, and industrial chemicals can all be made from algae when they are produced in controlled conditions like algae farms or bioreactors.
As the demand for environmentally friendly products rises, algae farms are becoming increasingly prevalent. Global algae market size was estimated at USD 1.64 billion in 2019 by Grand View Research, and it is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2020 to 2027. The paper claims that the market for algae is expanding as a result of the rising demand for biofuels and the requirement to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The production of biofuel from algae is one of its most promising applications. Biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas are just a few of the fuels that can be made from algae. In order to convert algae into fuel, the oil or sugar must first be extracted from the algae. Depending on the fuel type and the processing technique, the time required to convert algae into fuel might range from a few days to several weeks.
Algae can be utilized as a feedstock for other sectors in addition to biofuels. For instance, animal feed that is rich in protein and other nutrients can be made from algae. In addition to being used to make human meals, algae can also be utilized to make vitamins, beverages, and snacks. Pharmaceuticals made from algae are also being explored because some types of algae contain substances with potential therapeutic uses.
The creation of industrial chemicals is another potential application for algae. A variety of compounds, including pigments, antioxidants, and bioplastics, can be made from algae. Algae-based bioplastics hold great promise because they can be broken down naturally and emit less carbon dioxide than conventional plastics.
Last but not least, it’s a tricky topic to ask whether cars might operate on algae. Although algae can be used to make biofuels, there are still several logistical issues to be resolved before considerable amounts of algae-based fuel for use in automobiles can be produced and distributed. However, a few small-scale tests have demonstrated that cars can run on algae-based fuels, and the prospect of algae-based biofuels eventually taking the place of fossil fuels is encouraging.
There are various procedures that must be carried out in order to create algal bioreactors. A suitable strain of algae must first be chosen and produced under controlled conditions. The desired product, such as oil or protein, is then extracted from the algae by harvesting and processing. The growing cycle can be continued by recycling the leftover biomass back into the bioreactor. The bioreactor’s design will be determined by the particular needs of the algae being cultivated and the product being generated.
In conclusion, algae farms have the potential to produce a variety of renewable and sustainable goods, including industrial chemicals and biofuels. Algae-based goods have the potential to replace conventional products in a variety of industries, and while the technology is still in its infancy, the growing desire for sustainable products is what is driving the growth of the algae market.
Open ponds, closed photobioreactors, and hybrid systems that integrate both techniques can all be used to raise microalgae. While algae are grown in closed photobioreactors using artificial light sources, they are produced in open ponds where they are cultivated in big, shallow ponds exposed to sunlight. The greatest features of both approaches are combined in hybrid systems. Regardless of the technique, microalgae need carbon dioxide, sunlight or artificial light, nitrogen, and phosphorus in order to flourish.