Microalgae have been studied for many years for production of commodities and special human foods and animal feeds. Moreover, algae can generate a wide range of biofuels, including biohydrogen, methane, oils (triglycerides and hydrocarbons, con­vertible to biodiesel, jet fuels, etc.), and, to a lesser extent, bioethanol. Meanwhile, this products’ production involves different processes such as biochemical and ther­mochemical conversions or chemical separation or a direct combustion (Huesemann et al. 2010). Like a refinery, it is still possible to obtain other non-energy products in the cultivation of microalgae, such as cosmetics, animal feed, and nutraceuticals.

Subhadra and Edwards (2011) analyzed algal biorefinery-based integrated industrial sector that produces primary biofuel (biodiesel), coproducts (algal meal—AM), and omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA and glycerin). They demonstrated that biorefineries have a clear market for AM and O3FA up to a certain level; thereafter, diversification for other coproducts is desirable. However, coproduct market analysis and water footprint (WFP) of algal biorefineries need to be studied before large-scale deployment and adoption. In addition, Benemann (2012) argued that saying that “animal feeds could be readily coproduced with algae biofuels are incorrect”; because there are significant differences in the processes focus, quanti­ties production, volume and market values, comparing coproducts with biofuels. However, algal biofuel can be integrated with aquaculture to treat the wastes.