Algal Biorefineries: Products and Refinery Design

0456807 - MBÚ 2016 RIV CH eng M - Monography Chapter
Goecke, Franz - Vítová, Milada - Zachleder, Vilém
Rare Earth Elements and Algae: Physiological Effects, Biorefinery and Recycling.
Algal Biorefineries: Products and Refinery Design. Švýcarsko: Springer International Publishing, 2015 - (Prokop, A.; Bajpai, R.; Zappi, M.), s. 339-363. ISBN 978-3-319-20199-3
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT LO1416
Institutional support: RVO:61388971
Keywords : Algae * Algal blooms * Bioaccumulation of metals
Subject RIV: EE - Microbiology, Virology

This chapter discusses new and multiple uses of rare earth elements (REEs) in modern commercial, industrial and military products and their ecological effects on the aquatic environment, with a particular focus on algae. Their unique physical and chemical properties, global locations and availability are described. Various applications for REEs, which may involve algae, are reviewed, including uses as fertilizers, markers, tracers, “bloom killers”, or as biochemical agents such as tracers or bioindicators for physiological studies. We describe the ecological implications of increased release of REEs into the environment through mining, agricultural and industrial activities, as well as the possibility of using algae for bioremediation and recycling purposes. We conclude that a better understanding of the bioavailability, toxicity and uptake of REEs, as well as their physiological implications for algae at the molecular, enzymatic and life-cycle levels, are vital for environmentally-friendly production and use of these valuable resources.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0257281