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Algal Biofuels
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Algal Biofuels

A special issue of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (ISSN 2077-1312).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2017) | Viewed by 32981

Special Issue Editor

Dr. John James Milledge

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering and Science, Algae Biotechnology Research Group, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
Interests: algae; seaweed; sargassum, biofuel; biogas; biorefinery; anaerobic digestion; nutraceuticals; pharmaceuticals; energy balance; ensilage; food technology; wastewater
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The potential of algal biomass as a source of liquid and gaseous biofuels is a highly topical theme, with over 70 years of sometimes-intensive research, and considerable financial investment. The process operations for algal biofuel production can be grouped into three areas: Growth, harvesting, and energy extraction. A wide range of unit operations can be combined to form an algal biofuel production system, but, as of yet, there is no successful commercial system producing such biofuel. This suggests that there are major technical and engineering difficulties to be resolved before economically viable algal biofuel production can be achieved.

This Special Issue on algal biofuels is looking for contributions of original research and reviews on all aspects of algae to fuel technologies for both macro and microalgae. A wide range of topics will be considered, including, but not limited to, cultivation techniques, harvesting, downstream processing, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis.

Dr John James MILLEDGE
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Algae Anaerobic Digestion
  • Biofuel
  • Biorefining
  • Energy Balance
  • Gasification, Process Optimisation: Scale‑up
  • Seaweed

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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968 KiB  
Article
Energy Balance of Biogas Production from Microalgae: Effect of Harvesting Method, Multiple Raceways, Scale of Plant and Combined Heat and Power Generation
by John J. Milledge and Sonia Heaven
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2017, 5(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse5010009 - 25 Jan 2017
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 8231
Abstract
A previously-developed mechanistic energy balance model for production of biogas from the anaerobic digestion of microalgal biomass grown in open raceway systems was used to consider the energetic viability of a number of scenarios, and to explore some of the most critical parameters [...] Read more.
A previously-developed mechanistic energy balance model for production of biogas from the anaerobic digestion of microalgal biomass grown in open raceway systems was used to consider the energetic viability of a number of scenarios, and to explore some of the most critical parameters affecting net energy production. The output demonstrated that no single harvesting method of those considered (centrifugation, settlement or flocculation) produced an energy output sufficiently greater than operational energy inputs to make microalgal biogas production energetically viable. Combinations of harvesting methods could produce energy outputs 2.3–3.4 times greater than the operational energy inputs. Electrical energy to power pumps, mixers and harvesting systems was 5–8 times greater than the heating energy requirement. If the energy to power the plant is generated locally in a combined heat and power unit, a considerable amount of “low grade” heat will be available that is not required by the process, and for the system to show a net operational energy return this must be exploited. It is concluded that the production of microalgal biogas may be energetically viable, but it is dependent on the effective use of the heat generated by the combustion of biogas in combined heat and power units to show an operational energy return. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Biofuels)
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Review

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252 KiB  
Review
UK Macro-Algae Biofuels: A Strategic Management Review and Future Research Agenda
by Per Gegg and Victoria Wells
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2017, 5(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse5030032 - 31 Jul 2017
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6565
Abstract
Macro-algae is increasingly gaining attention as a potential feedstock for biofuels and as a potential alternative fuel for aviation. Technological aspects are showing promise, and being examined more widely. This paper uses a strategic management perspective to complete an initial macro-environmental scan of [...] Read more.
Macro-algae is increasingly gaining attention as a potential feedstock for biofuels and as a potential alternative fuel for aviation. Technological aspects are showing promise, and being examined more widely. This paper uses a strategic management perspective to complete an initial macro-environmental scan of the potential opportunities and threats to a seaweed biofuels industry. This is in response to calls to look beyond technological aspects, and highlights the importance of social acceptance. It is clear that very little is known about the potential economic, social, environmental and political/legal issues that might arise in the development of this industry. While we can look at the development of other, more established renewable technologies and seaweed industries away from the UK to highlight potential issues this does not give us a clear picture. Further research is needed to ensure that a proactive approach is used to research and inform stakeholders who will affect the further technological development and commercialization of the industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Biofuels)
289 KiB  
Review
Golden Tides: Problem or Golden Opportunity? The Valorisation of Sargassum from Beach Inundations
by John J. Milledge and Patricia J. Harvey
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2016, 4(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse4030060 - 13 Sep 2016
Cited by 155 | Viewed by 17232
Abstract
In recent years there have been massive inundations of pelagic Sargassum, known as golden tides, on the beaches of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa, causing considerable damage to the local economy and environment. Commercial exploration of this biomass for [...] Read more.
In recent years there have been massive inundations of pelagic Sargassum, known as golden tides, on the beaches of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa, causing considerable damage to the local economy and environment. Commercial exploration of this biomass for food, fuel, and pharmaceutical products could fund clean-up and offset the economic impact of these golden tides. This paper reviews the potential uses and obstacles for exploitation of pelagic Sargassum. Although Sargassum has considerable potential as a source of biochemicals, feed, food, fertiliser, and fuel, variable and undefined composition together with the possible presence of marine pollutants may make golden tides unsuitable for food, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals and limit their use in feed and fertilisers. Discontinuous and unreliable supply of Sargassum also presents considerable challenges. Low-cost methods of preservation such as solar drying and ensiling may address the problem of discontinuity. The use of processes that can handle a variety of biological and waste feedstocks in addition to Sargassum is a solution to unreliable supply, and anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas is one such process. More research is needed to characterise golden tides and identify and develop commercial products and processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algal Biofuels)
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