Algae and Sustainable Technologies

Bio-energy, Nanotechnology and Green Chemistry

Atul Kumar Upadhyay, D.P. Singh, Atul Kumar Upadhyay, D.P. Singh

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9781000204629
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Médecine
• Subtopic: Biotechnologie en médecine

Algal and sustainable technologies: Bioenergy, Nannotechnology and Green chemistry is an interdisciplinary overview of the world's major problems; water scarcity, clean environment and energy and their sustenance remedy measures using microalgae. It comprehensively presents the way to tackle the socio-economic issues including food, feed, fuel, medicine and health and also entails the untapped potential of microalgae in environmental management, bioenergy solution and sustainable synthesis of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

This book basically emphasizes the success of algae as wonderful feed stocks of future and provides upto date information and sustainable and recreational outlook towards degrading environment and energy crisis. Applicability of fast emerging algae based nanotechnology in bioremediation and production of nanoparticle (AuNP, AgNP etc) are beautifully described along with latest research and findings.

Key features:

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• The "waste to best to income" strategies are the main concern of the book and take the edge off the problem of pollution, energy and income.

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• Elucidate the sustainable phycoremediation and nanoparticle functions as low cost approach for various ecosystem services.

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• Information regarding pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and other algae based value added product synthesis and fate are comprehensively discussed.

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• Knowledge resource, latest research, findings and prospects presented in an accessible manner for researchers, students, eminent scientists, entrepreneurs, professionals and policy maker.

1 Algae as a Sustainable Resource for Green Economy and Deteriorating Environment

Atul Kumar Upadhyay

CONTENTS

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Scenario of Environmental Degradation

1.3 Green Economy

1.4 Key Principal of Green Economy

1.4.1 Well-Being Principle

1.4.2 Justice Principle

1.4.3 Planetary Boundaries Principle

1.4.4 Efficiency and Sufficiency Principle

1.4.5 Good Governance Principle

1.5 Need for a Green Economy

1.6 Economic Incentives of Microalgae

1.6.1 Algae and Coral Reefs

1.6.2 Food and Feed Products From Algae

1.6.3 Algae and Sewage Treatment

1.6.4 Algae and Limestone Formation

1.6.5 Algae Used as Fodder

1.6.6 Algae is Used as Fertilizers

1.6.7 Algae Used as Medicine

1.6.8 Industrial Utilization of Algae

1.6.9 Diatomaceous Earth Industry

1.7 Algae as a Green Credit

1.8 Conclusions

Acknowledgements

References

1.1 Introduction

The world’s energy consumption is continuously rising, and this primary energy demand is currently met by fossil fuels such as coal. According to the WCA (2017), coal provides 41% of the world’s electricity, 44% industrial input and 29% of global energy (Wu and Chen, 2018). Fossil fuels such as coal, oil etc. have finite reserves and could be exhausted in the near future, leaving a remarkable question about the security of our energy resources. In addition, population growth takes over agricultural land to house all the new inhabitants, which triggers food insecurity, a decrease in income for farmers and an increase in low-income countries on the globe. Besides, anthropogenic worsening like salinization also severely degrades the agriculture lands (Singh et al., 2018). Recently, working on key issues to minimize fuel, food and overpopulation insecurity, researchers, scientists and industrialists have started eyeing the utilization of algae due to its abundance and fast growth. Microalgae are among the most promising sources of sustainable, carbon-neutral biofuel for the future. They are already being used as feedstock for producing biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol and kerosene, but the associated production methods consume a great deal of energy and are rather costly (Kumar et al., 2016). Production of biofuels from microalgae have a number of advantages including the ability to grow on non-arable land, in saltwater, polluted water and in the ocean, which minimizes water loss, reduces carbon concentration on the earth and largely eliminates the food versus fuel concerns. However, there are still many obstacles to overcome before algal biofuel production and its commercialization can be facilitated in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. The major constraints include the selection of suitable strains that reliably produce high yields, keeping contamination at bay, developing cost-effective growth chambers and efficient and economic harvesting. The present chapter comprehensively describes the various aspects and applications of algae used sustainably to achieve eco-friendly food and sources of income, and to reduce pollution.

The earth receives a huge quantity of solar energy which is required for powering the entire globe. Thus, scaling solar-driven alternatives might be a key focus. Algae, being predominately on non-arable land, in the ocean, saltwater and wastewater, could be a renewable resource for using solar energy to convert into value-added products, through the light-driven process of photosynthesis. Growing algae on degraded land could reduce the risk of poverty, and help increase economic growth. The photosynthetic power of algae, coupled with the production of food, fuel and a wide range of renewable feedstock, thus supports the globe in a sustainable manner. In addition, coproduction strategies along with fuel, such as food, feed, medicine and dietary supplements, can generate multiple income opportunities which ultimately enhances profit, creates jobs and establishes a sustainable economy based on renewable sources.

Algae is recognized as a great source of food, fuel, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals etc. (Raja et al., 2018). The bioactive compound derived from algae is thus significantly associated with the sustainable economy of the world. Microalgae such as Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, Daniella salina, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Schizochytrium and Haematococcus pluvialis are commonly used in food, health and fuel production (Ranga et al., 2017). Microalgae could be the renewable resource the market has been anticipating as an effective, sustainable, unlimited and almost entirely untapped resource for bio-based processes and products. The cultivation of microalgae can make an important contribution to the transition to a more sustainable society or bio-based economy.

1.2 Scenario of Environmental Degradation

The environment is continuously deteriorating due to the unwise use of natural resources to fulfil the demands of individual livelihoods. The human population is rising and expected to reach 9.5 billion by 2050 (OECD, 2009). This higher load causes a race for food, water, shelter, energy, and materials, which leads to climate change, biodiversity loss, global warming and a lower quality of human life (Didem et al., 2018). The engineering and production industries continuously use non-friendly raw materials such as metals, plastic, rubber, oil, coal etc. to produce different materials which are very harmful and cause significant damage to the environment and thus to human beings. The self-sustaining nature of the environment is no longer in balance, which is resulting in melting glaciers, rising temperatures, and a change in world climate. The change in climate brings various water and air-borne diseases. Increases in CO₂ pollution levels are due to overpopulation and deforestation, and these are the two key elements that cause the deterioration of the environment and are directly and indirectly linked to global warming and the greenhouse effect, which leads to environmental degradation by increasing the chance of droughts, floods, pandemic diseases and hurricanes etc., which causes significant damage to the environment and to human life. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), an estimated 7.3 million hectares of forest vanish every year. Deforestation activity over a long period of time generates floods, the erosion of soil, wildlife extinction and climate imbalance.

1.3 Green Economy

A green economy is the outcome of natural resource utilization and its sustainable implementation for providing wealth, sound health and employment without degrading the environment and its ecosystems (D’Amato et al., 2017). According to UNEP, “A green economy is defined as low carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive”. In a green economy, economies are driven by private investment as well as public investment in activities that allow resource efficiency, enhanced energy production, biodiversity and carbon reduction.

In the past, generating a green economy has been a strategic priority for governments. In 2008, the UN environment started the GEI (green economic initiative) to motivate stakeholders and policymakers to assist with environmental investment for sustainable development. A green economy does not imply a higher output as a brown economy but rather moving slowly towards safeguarding the ecological threshold, biodiversity, economic income, carbon reduction, improved human well-being and social equality (Costanza et al., 2017; Pearce et al., 2013).

1.4 Key Principal of Green Economy

The United Nation’s Forum on Sustainable Development launched five principles for a green economy on July 16, 2019.

1.4.1 Well-Being Principle

The well-being principle focuses on offering a green and clean environment for growth and development. It focuses on wealth creation through investing in different areas which must be sustainable in nature.

It also focuses on green livelihoods.

1.4.2 Justice Principle

The justice principle promotes equity within and between the generations.

It promotes equitable opportunity and outcome distribution.

1.4.3 Planetary Boundaries Principle

The planetary boundaries principle invests in growing, shielding and restoring the biodiversity of all ecosystems.

1.4.4 Efficiency and Sufficiency Principle

The efficiency and sufficiency principle focuses on sustainable production and sustainable consumption.

1.4.5 Good Governance Principle

A green economy is guided by integrated, accountable and resilient institutions.

Algae and its sustainable, high biomass production may be seen as a “master key species” towards a green economy. Application of algae in the production of bioenergy (biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol), pharmaceutical products, nutraceuticals and agriculture fertilizers, along with reducing the carbon load, water pollution and environmental degradation, justifies its u...