Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 17
Algae Crops: Coproduction of Algae Biofuels
Gal Hochman, Michael C. Trachtenberg, and David Zilberman
Abstract The chapter discusses potential uses of algae, and the benefits of
coproducing algae biofuels and value-added products such as wastewater treatment
and fish. Because of the discussion and the data surrounding algae, and the large
technical and economic barriers faced by producers of algae biofuels, we predict
that the use of algae to produce energy will likely end up being combined with other
value-added products. The combination of energy production and other coproducts
(e.g., wastewater treatment) can make large-scale algae biofuel production eco-
nomically viable. Key, however, to algae biofuel coproduction is the ancillary
market's ability to consume large volumes.
The chapter also discusses aquaponics systems, which use algae to filter out
water pollution and then recirculate the cleansed water back to the aquaculture
production system. This part of the chapter is used to show that the social cost of
coproducing algae for biofuel, while employing an aquaponics system is different
than the private costs. Thus, an efficient outcome is achieved using public policy—
e.g., subsidies, making algae for biofuel production more economical.
Keywords Algae • Microalgae • Macroalgae • Biofuels • Bio-products • Biochem-
icals • Aquaculture • Aquaponics • Wastewater treatment • Production externality
Introduction
Algae are produced with technology used to farm aquatic organisms such as fish
and aquatic plants. It involves the cultivation of freshwater and saltwater
populations under controlled conditions. In principle, this technology can eliminate
land constraints—a key concern with terrestrial plants used for energy production.
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