Low-Cost Microalgae Cultivation Methods

Microalgal biomass was used for many years, before the twentieth century, for food preparation by ancient peoples who lived on the shores of lakes in Mexico and Africa. However, it only began to be used on larger scales from the twentieth century onwards. The impacts of the decrease in natural resources, the increase in energy demand due to unrestrained population growth, and the effects of global warming made it possible to perceive the need to produce clean and renewable energy to meet population demand. Thus, in addition to being used for food preparation, microalgae are considered a raw material with a high potential for producing bioproducts with high added value. The production of agricultural inputs (bioherbicides) and biofuels (bioethanol) obtained from microalgal biomass often makes it possible to lower the costs of the final products and enable sustainable development. Therefore, the different technologies used during the process and the best choice among them to reduce production costs will be discussed throughout the chapter.