Cited by 472Algal biology and biofuel productionBiofuel production and bioconversionThermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes

Algae as potential feedstock for the production of biofuels and value-added products: Opportunities and challenges

Kumar, Manish, Sun, Yuqing, Rathour, Rashmi, Pandey, Ashok, Thakur, Indu Shekhar, Tsang, Daniel C.W.·2020·Science of The Total Environment

Abstract

The current review explores the potential application of algal biomass for the production of biofuels and bio-based products. The variety of processes and pathways through which bio-valorization of algal biomass can be performed are described in this review. Various lipid extraction techniques from algal biomass along with transesterification reactions for biodiesel production are briefly discussed. Processes such as the pretreatment and saccharification of algal biomass, fermentation, gasification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, and anaerobic digestion for the production of biohydrogen, bio-oils, biomethane, biochar (BC), and various bio-based products are reviewed in detail. The biorefinery model and its collaborative approach with various processes are highlighted for the production of eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective biofuels and value-added products. The authors also discuss opportunities and challenges related to bio-valorization of algal biomass and use their own perspective regarding the processes involved in production and the feasibility to make algal research a reality for the production of biofuels and bio-based products in a sustainable manner.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137116

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Authors
Kumar, M., Sun, Y., Rathour, R., Pandey, A., Thakur, I. S., & Tsang, D. C. W.
Affiliations
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK)
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (IN)
  • Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IN)
Corresponding author
Tsang, Daniel C.W.
Venue
Science of The Total Environment
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2020-05
Volume
716
Pages
137116
ISSN
0048-9697 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W3004575561
Cited by
472
References
211
Citations by year
2026: 29 · 2025: 76 · 2024: 70 · 2023: 87 · 2022: 99 · 2021: 81 · 2020: 30
FWCI
3.40
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • The Science of The Total Environment (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Rare & Special e-Zone (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment › Algal biology and biofuel production
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Biofuel production and bioconversion
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Processes
Keywords
algal biomass, biofuels, biodiesel, lipid extraction, transesterification, saccharification, fermentation, gasification, pyrolysis, hydrothermal liquefaction, anaerobic digestion, biohydrogen, bio-oil, biomethane, biochar, biorefinery, value-added products
MeSH terms
Fermentation, Plant Oils, Plants, Biomass, Biofuels, Microalgae

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