An Official Journal of the American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers

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FORMULATION OF COMMERCIALLY FEASIBLE MARINE MICROALGAE CULTIVATION MEDIA FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION

ABSTRACT

Algae was initially examined as a potential replacement fuel source for fossil fuels in the 1970s,but prohibitive production costs and limitations discouraged the commercial development of algae-based fuel production. Subsequent studies, continued through the 1980s and heightened in the last 15 years, illustrate that research developments are enabling the commercial potential of microalgae to shift from aquaculture, fine chemicals, and health food to fuel production for large-scale production. Cultivation models practiced so far are through open raceway ponds and photobioreactors. The feasibility of the process depends on the cultivation medium coating, which gives high productivity, a desirable end product, and the components of the medium are easily available. Abellon Cleanenergy is a company focusing on developing feasible process parameters for biofuel production. The present study is on algae cultivation for viable commercial propositions through low-cost cultivation mediums with enhanced growth. It is the first of its kind from India reporting experimental results for Dunaliella tertiolecta (marine microalgae) in a fertilizer-based medium (AG 11), showing high oil yield at a low ingredient cost compared to other synthetic media.