This book addresses microalgae which represent a very promising biomass resource for
wastewater treatment and producing biofuels. Accordingly microalgae are also an expanding
sector in biofuels and wastewater treatment as can be seen in several high-profile start-ups
from around the globe including Solix Biofuels Craig Venter¿s Synthetic Genomics PetroSun
Chevron Corporation ENN Group etc. In addition a number of recent studies and patent
applications have confirmed the value of modern microalgae for biofuels production and
wastewater treatment systems. However substantial inconsistencies have been observed in terms
of system boundaries scope the cultivation of microalgae and oil extraction systems
production costs and economic viability cost-lowering components etc. Moreover the
downstream technologies and core principles involved in liquid fuel extraction from microalgae
cells are still in their early stages and not always adequate for industrial production.
Accordingly multilateral co-operation between universities research institutes governments
stakeholders and researchers is called for in order to make microalgae biofuels economical.
Responding to this challenge the book begins with a general introduction to microalgae and the
algae industry and subsequently discusses all major aspects of microalgal biotechnology from
strain isolation and robust strain development to biofuel development refinement and
wastewater treatment.
