Microalgae Lipid and Biodiesel Production: A Brazilian Challenge

Abstract

Global increases in atmospheric CO 2 and climate change are drawing considerable attention to identify sources of energy with lower environmental impact than those currently in use. Biodiesel production from microalgae lipids can, in the future, occupy a prominent place in energy generation because it represents a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based fuels. Several species of microalgae produce large amounts of lipids per biomass unit. Triacylglycerol is the fatty acid used for biodiesel production and the main source of energy reserves in microalgae. The current literature indicates that nutrient limitations can lead to triacylglycerol accumulation in different species of microalgae. Further efforts in microalgae screening for biodiesel production are needed to discover a native microalgae that will be feasible for biodiesel production in terms of biomass productivity and oil. This revision focuses in the biotechnological potential and viability of biodiesel production from microalgae. Brazil is located in a tropical region with high light rates and adequate average temperatures for the growth of microalgae. The wide availability of bodies of water and land will allow the country to produce renewable energy from microalgae.

Optimization of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Salt for Lipid Accumulation of Microalgae: Towards the Viability of Microalgae Biodiesel

“…Thus, lipids that maintain the physiological functions of membranes allow microalgae to readjust to environmental change and to tolerate severe stress. Microalgae species can accumulate lipids in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG) up to 20% -30% of their dry cell weight, and some few species even up to 50% [21]. TAGs are constituted of three fatty acids esterified to a glycerol backbone and are one of the most concentrated forms of energy available in eukaryotic cells [22].…”

Agricultural Financial Supply Chain Model Based on System Dynamics and Mathematical Logic Analysis

“…Agricultural enterprises, farmers and financial institutions form the simplest and most basic agricultural supply chain financial operation mode of "agricultural enterprises + farmers + financial institutions". However, in actual operation, due to the different conditions in different places and the different needs for supply chain finance, various elements such as supervision, guarantee, science and technology and finance are often integrated according to the specific situation, and the participation of the fourth party such as agricultural parks, guarantee companies, rural cooperatives, scientific research institutes and the government is introduced to form a flexible and diverse agricultural supply chain finance model, Provide more guarantee for the efficiency of agricultural production and the safe operation of credit funds [5][6][7]. The whole operation process is shown in figure 1.…”

Drop-in biofuels production from microalgae to hydrocarbons: Microalgal cultivation and harvesting, conversion pathways, economics and prospects for aviation

“…Neochloris oleoabundans Chlorophyta 29 -65 [57,74] Chlorella protothecoides Chlorophyta 14 -57.8 [57,75] Botryococcus braunii Chlorophyta 25 -80 [76,77] Chlorella vulgaris Chlorophyta 5 -58 [57,78] Nannochloropsis salina Ochrophyta 22 [77] Carbohydrates are distributed in many locations within the cell, with variable proportions according to the species and culture conditions [79]. For example, some green algae contain cellulose, hemicellulose in the cell wall and starch used as storage polysaccharide [80].…”