Microalgal Potential in Production of Third-Generation Biodiesel

Abstract Algae can absorb and fix carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions when used as a fuel source. These characteristics position algae as a renewable energy source and a tool for climate change mitigation. While third-generation biofuels from algae present significant potential to contribute to global energy needs sustainably, further research is essential to overcome existing technological and economic barriers. By addressing these challenges through innovative cultivation techniques and biorefinery concepts, algae could play a pivotal role in the transition toward renewable energy sources. The future of energy may well depend on harnessing the remarkable capabilities of microalgae in quest for sustainability CO 2 biofixation through microalgae represents a sustainable method for capturing carbon dioxide. In this study, CO 2 was supplied directly from the flue gas of the Neka thermal power plant. The growth performance of microalgal species, including Spirulina sp., Chlorella vulgaris, and Scenedesmus obliquus , was evaluated for their capacity for the biofixation of CO 2 and accumulate lipids at CO 2 concentrations of 0.03%, 2%, and 5%. The results indicated a comparative analysis of the growth rates among the three strains under identical conditions. For C. vulgaris , the maximum growth rate, biomass productivity (PB), CO 2 consumption rate (P CO2 ), and lipid content at a CO 2 concentration of 5% were recorded as 0.44 ± 0.10 μ. d −1 , 169 ± 14.95 mg L −1 d −1 , 319 ± 25.09 mg L −1 d −1 , and 32.8 ± 2.28 %, respectively.