Production economics of high-quality microalgae

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the microalgae production technologies and production costs. Biofuels production costs can vary widely by feedstock, conversion process, scale of production, and region. Microalgae will become the most important biofuel source in the near future. Microalgae are unique photosynthetic organisms given that they accumulate storage lipids in substantial quantities and thrive in high-salinity water. Photosynthetic growth requires light, carbon dioxide (CO₂), water, and inorganic salts. Temperature must remain generally within 20–30°C. During photosynthesis, algae use solar energy to fix CO₂ into algal biomass, so the water used to cultivate algae must be enriched with CO₂. Microalgae can potentially be employed for the production of biofuels in an economically effective and environmentally sustainable manner.

KEYWORDS:

• Economics
• microalgae
• mitigation of CO₂
• production
• water quality