Recent advancements in harnessing biodiesel from microalgae through attached growth systems

Abstract

Conventional microalgal cultivation method relied on suspended growth or attached growth that uses inert solid surfaces, requiring the addition of external carbon sources to promote microalgal growth. The inert solid substrates for attached microalgae pose constraints on the maximal capabilities of these microorganisms as it does not possess the ability to provide the necessary nutritional support required for optimal microalgal growth. As a result, microalgae are obliged to only rely on the solid substrate as a means of attachment, without any further nutritional provisions. Slower growth rates, larger resource requirements, and exorbitant operating expenses had prompted the exploration of an alternative strategy, i.e; the innovative use of solid organic waste as nutritional source cum attachment platform. The findings of this review unveil key insights into microalgae cultivation system, offering a solution to economic challenges in the production phase. This innovation not only promotes economic feasibility and sustainability, but also contributes to economically viable and environmentally sustainable biofuel production.