Biofuels production from algae: challenge and potential

Kryštof Mareš

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Research in the field of algae-based biofuels in recent years has increased significantly, the most attractive is their potential in the way of replace fossil fuels. Algae are the fastest growing plants in the world and are considered as the most suitable and sustainable source of green energy. Biomass from algae offers a wide range of applications - currently in production of biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol, biohydrogen but also, biomethane, bio-oil and more. Algae also offer a large number of substances used in various industries from cosmetics and textiles to food processing.This Bachelors Thesis titled "Biofuels production from algae: a challenge and a potential" was written as a literature review from scientific articles that have been obtained from famous professional databases. This Thesis summarizes research knowledge about algae, their distribution and cultivation in open ponds and photobioreactors. Individual types of cultivation technologies have their advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed. The Thesis focuses on the production of biofuels, especially biodiesel and bioethanol. It describes their pros and cons compared to other biofuels sources. The potential of biofuels from algae carries enormous challenges as research and overall use of algae concerned, while production of non-energy materials present a big prospect for using algae. Cultivation and use of algae for biofuels goes hand in hand with the production of non-energetic products, which are often far higher in economic utilization, and thus support the overall production of algae-based biofuels. The Thesis summarizes what challenge brings the algae for biofuels production, and describes potential that could be use in the nearest decades.

Keywords

macroalgae, microalgae, open ponds, photobioreactors, biodiesel, bioethanol

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 21. 4. 2017

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedúci: Ing. Tatiana Ivanova, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme / odbor:
Tropical Agriculture / Sustainable Development in the Tropics and Subtropics