Bernhard, D. (2014). Algae biomass: a roadmap for commercial success from biofuels to high-value products [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2014.27304
Commercial applications of micro algae; Biorefinery; Algae biofuel; Human nutrition; Nutraceuticals; Animal feed; Photo bioreactor; Open pond
en
Abstract:
Microalgae are said to have huge potential as a renewable resource for biofuels. To reduce the impact produced by conventional sources of energy, sustainable sources become more and more important. However, in order to operate an algae production site profitable, more applications of algal biomass should be taken into account. One of the biggest environmental contributions most of us could make is by far much less communicated than biofuels: human nutrition. This is especially true regarding the amount of meat, which is produced and connected to the environmental damage that goes hand in hand with it. The production of food can also be an interesting topic for microalgae. Some claim that algae can solve several challenges at the same time: oil for human nutrition (and therefore of high value, e.g. omega-3 fatty acids) and oil of low value, e.g. for biofuels. The rest of the algae cell wall could be used as animal food, e.g. fish food. Is this possible in a sustainable and economic way, and can algae help to solve some of the world-s main challenges ahead? This Master Thesis should help to find the answer. The major objective is to explain which production technologies combined with suitable algae strains can be used for different applications: biofuels, human nutrition supplements, cosmetics, and animal food. Therefore, this master thesis will show the possibilities and requirements of symbiotic production possibilities of algal biomass, in order to make algae biofuels commercially feasible.