genetically engineered alga. Abundance of genetically engineered algae released to
water could be measured through species-specific tests if the species were not native.
Moreover, some modified traits, such as altered antennae might be detected microscopically and thus would be quantifiable in water. Particular DNA sequences might
also be measureable. Moreover, markers could be tagged to algae to allow easy
measurement in specific media.
1.6.6 Waste Products
Sustainability of algal biofuel manufacturing process is enhanced by recycling of
raw materials and minimization of waste. Solid waste from algal biofuel production
processes is generated as sludge from which the volatile organic acids have been
converted to CO 2 and methane. The produced methane can be useful as a fuel
supplement. Golueke et al. (1957) reported average NH 4 concentrations of digested
sludge in the range of 1600–1850 mg/L for anaerobic digestion of algae (Sukias and
Tanner 2005; Sukias and Craggs 2011).
Nutrients recycling is obvious mitigation for waste generation. Maximizing
recycling would also reduce the need for waste disposal. In this regard an algal
biofuel production company, Algenol, is making efforts to use recycled seawater
waste for cultivation of algae. Information is needed about the types and rate of
waste generation for most algal biofuel production processes. When and if processes
move toward commercialization, state and local regulations will govern the acceptable disposal of waste, which will necessarily be well characterized by then.
1.6.7 Diseases, Pathogens, and Toxins
As algal biofuel production technology rapidly increases, many environmental
anxieties are put forwarded, if concerns are not addressed they may be raised as to
the potential social and health related risks. There are still challenges to overcome
the technology from pilot scale to industrial scale production of biofuel from algae.
However the cost effectiveness of biofuel industry needs to be considered. Some of
the environmental risks might further require exploratory assessment and subsequent
monitoring to ensure that they do not become sustainability concerns if algal biofuel
production is scaled up.
1.7
Applications, Process Constraints, and Future Needs
A sustainability evaluation of biodiesel production from microalgae is very important. Although microalgae appear to be superior in some respects to other currently
used feedstocks, the development of large-scale microalgae production systems still
needs further research. An outline for selecting sustainability, three points must be
1 Algal Biofuel: A Sustainable Approach for Fuel of Future Generation
21
water could be measured through species-specific tests if the species were not native.
Moreover, some modified traits, such as altered antennae might be detected microscopically and thus would be quantifiable in water. Particular DNA sequences might
also be measureable. Moreover, markers could be tagged to algae to allow easy
measurement in specific media.
1.6.6 Waste Products
Sustainability of algal biofuel manufacturing process is enhanced by recycling of
raw materials and minimization of waste. Solid waste from algal biofuel production
processes is generated as sludge from which the volatile organic acids have been
converted to CO 2 and methane. The produced methane can be useful as a fuel
supplement. Golueke et al. (1957) reported average NH 4 concentrations of digested
sludge in the range of 1600–1850 mg/L for anaerobic digestion of algae (Sukias and
Tanner 2005; Sukias and Craggs 2011).
Nutrients recycling is obvious mitigation for waste generation. Maximizing
recycling would also reduce the need for waste disposal. In this regard an algal
biofuel production company, Algenol, is making efforts to use recycled seawater
waste for cultivation of algae. Information is needed about the types and rate of
waste generation for most algal biofuel production processes. When and if processes
move toward commercialization, state and local regulations will govern the acceptable disposal of waste, which will necessarily be well characterized by then.
1.6.7 Diseases, Pathogens, and Toxins
As algal biofuel production technology rapidly increases, many environmental
anxieties are put forwarded, if concerns are not addressed they may be raised as to
the potential social and health related risks. There are still challenges to overcome
the technology from pilot scale to industrial scale production of biofuel from algae.
However the cost effectiveness of biofuel industry needs to be considered. Some of
the environmental risks might further require exploratory assessment and subsequent
monitoring to ensure that they do not become sustainability concerns if algal biofuel
production is scaled up.
1.7
Applications, Process Constraints, and Future Needs
A sustainability evaluation of biodiesel production from microalgae is very important. Although microalgae appear to be superior in some respects to other currently
used feedstocks, the development of large-scale microalgae production systems still
needs further research. An outline for selecting sustainability, three points must be
1 Algal Biofuel: A Sustainable Approach for Fuel of Future Generation
21