Oilgae - Glossary

Microalgae

Small algae only observed with a microscope. Source

A classification of algae that are defined according to the size of the plant where the body of the plant is small enough that it requires magnification to observe.Source

Microalgae are a type of photosynthetic protist. While the mechanism of photosynthesis in microalgae is similar to that of true plants, they are generally more efficient converters of solar energy because of their simple cellular structure. Source

Microalgae: Microalgae, or phytoplankton, are an essential first food for certain larval marine fishes, and can also be used to enrich other foods. They can be a little tricky to produce - the cultures often become contaminated with other micro-organisms which consume the algae; tapwater often contains chemicals like aluminium sulphate which makes the culture crash, and they need highly specific nutrient enrichment.

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CSIRO Collection of Living Microalgae (CCLM): Key to CSIRO's microalgae research is the Collection of Living Microalgae, a culture collection of over 800 strains, including representatives from all classes of marine microalgae, some freshwater microalgae, and unusual marine microheterotrophs.

Microalgae (various oleaginous species): Microalgae comprise a vast group of photosynthetic, heterotrophic organisms which have an extraordinary potential for cultivation as energy crops. They can be cultivated under difficult agro-climatic conditions and are able to produce a wide range of commercially interesting byproducts such as fats, oils, sugars and functional bioactive compounds. Certain microalgae are effective in the production of hydrogen and oxygen through the process of biophotolysis while others naturally manufacture hydrocarbons which are suitable for direct use as high-energy liquid fuels.

Biofuels from Microalgae: Microalgae are a diverse group of prokaryotic and eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganisms that grow rapidly due to their simple structure. They can potentially be employed for the production of biofuels in an economically effective and environmentally sustainable manner. Microalgae have been investigated for the production of a number of different biofuels including biodiesel, bio-oil, bio-syngas and bio-hydrogen.

Microalgae Superfoods - Spirulina and Chlorella: Microscopic algaes were amongst the first life forms on our planet. They are responsible for fixing massive amounts of carbon dioxide while producing and sustaining the atmospheric oxygen.