Algae Cultivation Systems

Algae are a diverse group of micro- and macroscopic, highly efficient photosynthetic organisms with rapid growth and flourish in a variety of environments where many land plants are uninhabitable. Algal biomass contains a wide range of biochemical components such as pigments, lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins (known as phycochemicals), making them a promising and renewable feedstock for different industrial/commercial applications such as biofuels, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sectors. The potential of algae as a renewable and eco-friendly bioresource has received much attention in recent years and made it the most promising and sustainable source of useful products. The general requirements for successful algae cultivation include many growth factors such as nutrients, temperature, light, pH, and different cultivation systems. There are two main cultivation systems used widely for algae cultivation, namely open raceway ponds (OWPs) and closed photobioreactors (PBRs). Each one of these systems has a series of advantages and disadvantages. This chapter will discuss the different cultivation systems used for seaweeds and microalgae for biomass production, including OWPs, PBRs, and mixed systems. Also, the pros and cons of each system will be evaluated. The natural growth and distribution of seaweeds, as well as recent advancements in seaweed farming technologies, will be discussed.