Phytoplankton (microalgae) as an alternative of renewable energy sources

Abstract

At present, primary energy resources for various industrial activities including transportation and electricity still rely on fossil sources, such as oil, gas, and coal. Fossil resources are increasingly depleted from time to time and cause the impact of erratic price increases, resources are increasingly limited and cause various environmental effects due to emissions of greenhouse gases produced due to burning these fossils. Various biological resources in Indonesia can be used as a source of raw materials for the production of renewable fuels as a substitute for fossils. Research on phytoplankton (microalgae) as an alternative to renewable energy sources has been carried out. This research was carried out in Teluk Kupang, which has been known as a habitat for Algae life and breeding. The purpose of this study is to obtain data on the existence and types of algae that can be utilized as an alternative renewable energy source. The research method used was observation and laboratory testing to determine the types of algae in Teluk Kupang. The results showed there were 34 types of microalgae, including species of Nitzschia, sp and Thallassiosira, sp which had cell compositions in the form of cellulose, glucan and oils (triglycerides) that had the potential to be extracted and utilized for the manufacture of renewable fuels and other valuable chemicals.