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Sustainable biofuels from algae

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Abstract

There is currently great interest in microalgae as sources of renewable energy and biofuels. Many algae species have a high lipid content and can be grown on non-arable land using alternate water sources such as seawater. This paper discusses in detail the issue of sustainability of commercial-scale microalgae production of biofuels with particular focus on land, water, nutrients (N and P) and CO2 requirements and highlights some of the key issues in the very large scale culture of microalgae which is required for biofuels. The use of genetically modified algae is also considered.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the many people who have participated in the debate on the many aspects of the sustainability of algal biofuels.

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  1. Algae R&D Center, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia

    Michael Armin Borowitzka & Navid Reza Moheimani

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  1. Michael Armin Borowitzka
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Correspondence to Michael Armin Borowitzka.

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Borowitzka, M.A., Moheimani, N.R. Sustainable biofuels from algae. Mitig Adapt Strateg Glob Change 18, 13–25 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-010-9271-9

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