Utilization of Biomass to Produce Biofuels, Fertilizers, Biochar, and Other Value-Added Products

The ever-increasing population and rising negative impact of non-renewable sources of energy have resulted in socio-economic awareness and a carbon-smart society. Research has shifted toward bio-resources such as algae-based biomass along with its biorefinery or bio-circular economy concept to deliver environmentally sustainable products. Algae have great potential for utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) and are the most productive biological systems to produce biomass, which makes it a sustainable solution for a healthy environment. In an integrated biorefinery, biofuels from their carbohydrates and lipids and extraction of value-added products from other biochemical constituents are necessary to enhance the economic feasibility and achieve bio-refinery goals in a carbon–neutral manner. The remaining biomass can still be utilized for bioremediation, production of biochar, biofertilizer, and the development of biosensors. Algae are the golden treasures on Earth and are also a support system for space expedition studies. Algae are being utilized as nutritional sources and biosensors during short space missions, and have the ability to be utilized as regenerative life support systems for long space missions. However, there are many challenges associated with algal systems that make them successful on a large scale. This chapter covers a complete biorefinery system associated with the utilization of algal biomass. This also highlights the role of algae in space missions. This study also discusses the challenges and future perspectives of the complete valorization of algal biomass.