Indian Journal of Microbiology

, Volume 55, Issue 1, pp 1–7 | Cite as

Biodiesel Industry Waste: A Potential Source of Bioenergy and Biopolymers

  • Prasun Kumar
  • Sanjeet Mehariya
  • Subhasree Ray
  • Anjali Mishra
  • Vipin Chandra Kalia
Review Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Biodiesel has been recognized as a good source of energy and its production is increasing rapidly. During biodiesel production, effluent containing 70–75 % glycerol is generated, which accounts for 10 % of the total produce. This has led to a scenario where the price of glycerol has declined dramatically and its disposal is becoming uneconomical. Recent efforts to extend the biotechnological applications of glycerol for producing hydrogen and polyhydroxyalkanoates have been quite encouraging. Bacillus spp. are among those few organisms, which have the potential to metabolize glycerol to produce energy and biopolymers. Bacillus may thus be recognized as the Power-Horse of the future.

Keywords

Bacillus Biowaste Dark fermentation Hydrogen PHA copolymers Waste management 
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Notes

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the Director of CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi, CSIR-WUM (ESC0108) Government of India for providing necessary funds and facilities. P.K. is thankful to CSIR for granting Senior Research Fellowship.

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Copyright information

© Association of Microbiologists of India 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  • Prasun Kumar
    • 1
    • 2
  • Sanjeet Mehariya
    • 1
  • Subhasree Ray
    • 1
  • Anjali Mishra
    • 1
  • Vipin Chandra Kalia
    • 1
  1. 1.Microbial Biotechnology and GenomicsCSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)DelhiIndia
  2. 2.Department of BiotechnologyUniversity of PunePuneIndia

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