Improvement of Harvesting Technology for Algal Biomass Production

Global demands for biomass utilization as food, feed, biofuels and chemical production have been increased to a great extent. For a sustainable future it is necessary to minimise the environmental impact of our activities keeping in mind the socio-economic parameters along with operational efficiency. Our continuous dependence on fossil fuels is unsustainable because of its dwindling world reserves and global warming due to its use. Recent research has focussed on the development of renewable and potentially carbon neutral biofuels. First generation biofuels derived from terrestrial crops has impacted the environment in a big way by hastening deforestation and environmental pollution. The food vs. fuel debate has also come into force. Replacing them with second generation biofuels which is derived from lignocellulosic feedstock has addressed majority of the problems. But a concern over land usage and competition still remains. Third generation biofuels derived from microalgae seem to be the solution to the demand for alternative energy sources which is devoid of the major drawbacks associated with first and second generation of biofuels.