ISSN 2319-5347, ISI Impact Factor: 0.763

VOLUME 02  NO. 04 OCTOBER 2014:

Title:            Algae - An alternative source of biofuel
Authors:     Ravindra Singh, Pushpendra Singh, Arpana Mishra
Abstract:   Biofuel are any solid, liquid or gaseous fuels that are derived from living plants or indirectly from agricultural, municipal, commercial or domestic wastes. First generation biofuel are derived from sugars, starch,vegetable oils or animal fats. Second generation biofuels are obtained from ligno cellulosic biomass. Third generation biofuels are produced from algae.Algae have recently gained attention as a potential feed stock for biofuels. Sea weeds are macro algae grown only in the sea and are a good source of phycocolloids.Phycocolloids are polysaccharides which are considered as a good source of liquid fuel generation through fermentation. In principle they offer high yields and large co2 absorption by photosynthesis with up to 90% lower water needs than terrestrial crops, possible use of saline or waste water and no need for arable land. They are considered primarily for biodiesel and jet fuel production since fewer alternatives exists to replace these fuels. Biodiesel obtained from algal lipid is non toxic and highly biodegradable. Micro algae produce 15-300 times more oil than traditional crops on an area basis. According to an estimate, algal farming in less than 2-3% of indias land would make the country self sufficient in liquid fuel needs in the decades to come.

Keywords:  Algae, Biofuel, Phycocolloids, Fermentation, Photosynthesis
Pages:       304-305

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