Algae Biotechnology ― Products and Processes

This book examines the utilization of algae for the development of useful products and processes with the emphasis towards green technologies and processes, and the requirements to make these viable. Serving as a complete reference guide to the production of biofuels and other value added products from micro and macro algae, it covers various aspects of algal biotechnology from the basics to large scale cultivation, harvesting and processing for a variety of products. It is authored and edited by respected world experts in the field of algal biotechnology and provides the most up to date and cutting edge information on developments in the field. Over the past decade there has been substantial focus and related literature on the application of algal biomass for the generation of novel processes and products. ‘Algae Biotechnology: Products and Processes’ encompasses a holistic approach to critically evaluating developments in the field of algal biotechnology whilst taking into account recent advances and building on the body of knowledge. Aspects of the effects of harmful algae are also discussed, as well as the potential commercial application of algal biotechnology, the techno-economic feasibility of algal biodiesel production and the use of genetic and metabolic engineering for the improvement of yield. Other bioenergy sources such as alcohol fuels, aviation fuels, biohydrogen and biogas are also covered. This book is intended for postgraduates and researchers working in the biofuels and algal industry; it constitutes ideal reference material for both early stage and established researchers.

Professor Faizal Bux is the Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology. He has more than 20 years service at higher Education Institutes and has received numerous awards. Prof Bux's primary research areas are: wastewater biotechnology, bioremediation, algal biofuels research and biotechnology, constructed wetlands/rhizofiltration and rainwater harvesting. He has acted/current editor for CLEAN Soil Air Water (John Wiley & sons, Germany), Environmental Science and Health Part A (Taylor Francis, USA) He is a Fellow of the Water Institute of Southern Africa. He has recently edited the following books: (1) Biomass (2) Biotechnological application of microalgae (Taylor Francis, CRC press .) Served on the Scientific program committee/Advisory board/Chair/Invited speaker of various national and International conferences. He is Member of many professional bodies nationally and internationally. Prof Bux has served as reviewer many international funding agencies. He serves as Scientific advisor for various NGO’s both in South Africa and internationally especially with regards to water quality issues and waste beneficiation. He established an extensive network of collaborators based at Universities both nationally and internationally with active student and staff exchange for team members in the Institute.

Yusuf Chisti is Professor of Biochemical Engineering at Massey University, New Zealand. Professor Chisti holds a MSc (Biochemical Engineering) degree from University of London, England, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from University of Waterloo, Canada. He is a Chartered Engineer, CEng, and Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE), UK. His previous appointments were with the University of Almeria, Spain; Chembiomed Ltd, Edmonton, Canada; University of Waterloo, Canada; and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria. Professor Chisti has produced nearly 300 publications including a highly cited book (Airlift Bioreactors, Elsevier, 1989). Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge records more than 6,000 citations to Professor Chisti’s research publications. He has lectured at nearly 200 international events. He sits is on editorial boards of numerous journals including Biotechnology Advances (Elsevier), Journal of Biotechnology (Elsevier), Journal of Applied Phycology (Springer) and Biofuels, Bioproducts & Biorefining (Wiley). He is a senior editor of Biofuels (Future Science, UK). He received a Doctor Honoris Causa degree from Gheorghe Asachi Technical University, Iasi, Romania, in recognition of his many contributions to chemical and biological engineering. In 2008, he was the United Kingdom’s Royal Academy of Engineering Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Newcastle University, UK. Professor Chisti’s research is focussed on sustainable production of goods and services through biotechnology.