Ramjas college (Delhi University)
Submitted by:Yumkhaibam Wajeet 2024/16/246
Anubhuti Gogoi 2024/16/252
Ruchi Yadav 2024/16/234
Submitted to: Anju Ojha Ma’am
INTRODUCTION
Algae are simple plants without stems,
roots, or leaves that can live in many
environments, from oceans to deserts,
and have been used by humans for
thousands of years. They play a significant
role in ecosystems, covering 70% of the
Earth.
Algae are omnipresent, meaning they can
found in many different habitats.
The classification of algae is complicated
because they vary greatly, from tiny blue-
green types to large kelps, and they share
traits with both bacteria and higher plants.
Algae are categorised based on molecular
data into several groups. Advances in
biotechnology and molecular techniques
have improved algal classification.
Algal applications have expanded significantly over the past three decades. It is use for nutritional
supplements and other commercial products.
Successful genome sequencing of several algae species is ongoing, highlighting their growing
importance in various fields.
Genetic transformation techniques have been effectively applied to around 35 different algal species,
allowing for advancements in algal biotechnology despite challenges posed by different cell wall
types.
Advances in genome editing allow for better control over algae's genetic traits, leading to improved
productivity and desired characteristics. This progress highlights the importance of understanding
algal genetics for future applications in biotechnology.
Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant from Haematococcus pluvialis(a unicellular green microalgae), can
be produced more effectively through genetic changes, showing the potential of algae in sustainable
biotechnology. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been successful in producing therapeutic proteins,
making algal chloroplasts a popular choice for genetic research.
TRANSGENIC & NON- TRANSGENIC ALGAL
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Transgenic algal biotechnology uses
genetic engineering to change algae's
genes, allowing for improved algae
growth and new traits, which can help
solve current problems with using algae
for various purposes in a sustainable
way.
Non transgenic algal biotechnology is
method of genetically engineering algae
without introducing transgenic
markers. Non-transgenic algal
biotechnology focuses on using algae
without changing their genes, using
traditional methods to produce useful
products from them.
ALGAE IN AGRICULTURE
The use of synthetic fertilisers and herbicides harms soil health, leading to
lower crop yields, while natural microorganisms like cyanobacteria( blue
green algae) help improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen.
Synthetic chemicals reduce the growth and nitrogen-fixing ability of
cyanobacteria, posing risks to soil biodiversity and crop productivity.
Genetic engineering of cyanobacteria could enhance their beneficial traits,
making them valuable for sustainable agriculture and managing harmful
pesticides in the environment.
Algal strains can help break down harmful chemicals from agriculture, like
the insecticide lindane, using specific bacteria to improve their
effectiveness. These strains are easy to grow and cost-effective, making
them a good choice for environmental cleanup.
Additionally, certain algal species are used as fertilizers in gardening,
showing their versatility in both cleaning and enhancing soil health.
Greenhouse gas emissions are affecting climate, which may
reduce agricultural productivity and animal feed supply in the
future.
Algae are being explored as a cost-effective animal feed due to
their high protein content and rich nutrients like vitamins and
amino acids.
Studies show that algae can improve animal growth and health,
and they are widely used in aquaculture to boost productivity.
While algae show promise as feedstock, challenges like low
ALGAE AS biomass yield and stability prevent them from fully replacing
traditional crops.
FEEDSTOCK
ALGAE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL FITNESS AND
CARBON NEUTRALITY
Algae can indicate soil health and fertility in agricultural settings.
Algae can identify soil contamination from xenobiotics like
hydrazine.
Phytoplankton growth can assess water quality in polluted bodies.
Diatoms can evaluate organic pollution levels in water reservoirs.
Algae and diatoms are useful for eco-toxicological studies and risk
assessments.
Algae contribute significantly to global photosynthesis and life
support.
Urban air pollution necessitates research into carbon sequestration
methods.
Algae have higher CO2 fixation efficiency compared to terrestrial
plants.
Various algal species, like Chlorella, are effective in capturing
atmospheric CO2.
Open raceway ponds and bioreactors can enhance algal
productivity for CO2 capture.
Closed raceway ponds have shown high CO2 fixation efficiency.
Algae can serve as sustainable carbon sinks for achieving carbon
neutrality.
ALGAE FOR WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT
Industrial growth has increased wastewater issues, containing
harmful chemicals and metals that threaten aquatic life and
human health. This pollution makes water unsafe for use and
drinking.
Traditional treatment methods are costly and have recycling
problems, while algae offer a more practical biological
solution for treating both agricultural and industrial waste.
Algae, such as Chlorophytes and Euglinophytes, thrive in
wastewater and can grow in large amounts, making them
effective for cleaning polluted water.
Algae like Ulva and Monostroma can effectively reduce
nitrogen and phosphorus in wastewater, especially from dairy
sources, achieving up to 98% nutrient removal. They can
grow naturally in various wastewaters, making them a
valuable option for treatment.
Using a mix of different algae and bacteria improves
wastewater treatment efficiency, leading to better metal
removal and biomass growth for biofuel production.
SUSTAINABLE
ENERGY AND
BIOFUEL
The growing population is increasing
energy needs, making it hard to rely
on fossil fuels due to their negative
effects. Alternative energy sources,
like algal biofuel, are needed to meet
these demands sustainably.
Algal biofuel is preferred over first-
and second-generation biofuels, which
compete with food production.
Research is focused on making algal
biofuel production cost-effective.
The U.S. energy department has
identified many microalgal species for
biofuel production. Techniques like
genetic manipulation can improve lipid
production, making algal biofuel a
promising alternative for a sustainable
energy future.
FUTURE SCOPE
The review mentioned in the text successfully
explains the many ways we can explore and use algae
for future benefits.
By understanding and utilizing algae better, we can
find solutions to some of the biggest challenges we
face today, such as energy shortages and
environmental pollution.
Algae show great promise for helping people by
providing solutions for sustainable issues like biofuel,
soil cleanup, and agriculture, but more focused
research is needed to fully explore their potential.
