Chapter 4 - Algal physiology and cultivation

Abstract

Algae are photosynthetic organism found in freshwater, marine, and soil habitats. The major advantages of algae is their rapid growth, high metabolic adaptations, tolerance toward unfavorable conditions, and the production of valuable compounds. Algae are a potential feedstock for the production of biofuel with high value-added products including proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, pigments, and vitamins, which are used in different industries. Algae are capable of growing on nonarable land in wastewater which makes algal cultivation environmentally and economically sustainable. Factors that directly affect algae growth and biologically active substance are nutrients, CO2 concentration, pH, salinity, light intensity and quality, temperature, etc. Major types of microalgae cultivation systems include open raceway ponds and closed photobioreactors; both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Artificial cultivation of seaweeds primarily involves two techniques: pond-scattering culture and raft culture of stake-rope culture, which are discussed in this chapter. Algae cultivation methods need to be improved to enhance biomass production and make algae cultivation cost-effective. Cost analysis of algal cultivation is crucial for the estimation of the final cost of products, which will assist future research design. Integrated cultivation techniques are being introduced to make algae cultivation economically feasible by obtaining biologically active substances.