Bioprocess engineering aspects of biodiesel and bioethanol production from microalgae

Abstract

Rapid increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide together with depleted supplies of fossil fuel has led to an increased commercial interest in renewable fuels. Due to their high biomass productivity, rapid lipid accumulation and high carbohydrate storage capacity, microalgae are viewed as promising feedstocks for carbon-neutral biofuels. This chapter discusses process engineering steps for the production of biodiesel and bioethanol from microalgal biomass (harvesting, dewatering, pre-treatment, lipid extraction, lipid transmethylation, anaerobic fermentation). The suitability of microalgal lipid compositions for biodiesel conversion and the feasibility of using microalgae as raw materials for bi..