High Value Bioproducts and Biomethane

Use of biomass technology can produce high-value products also. For example, cer­tain cyanobacteria and green algae have been used as human foods, sources for vita­mins, proteins, fine chemicals, and bioactive compounds. Chapter 33 reports fed-batch cultivation of Spirulina platensis, which can be used as high-value health nutrient supplement. Chapter 34 discusses the bioprocess development for Chlorophyll extraction from microalgae while Chap. 35 reports the screening methods for bioac­tive compounds from algae. Fermentation of biomass for methane production repre­sents another important bioresource for biofuel production and waste management. Chapter 36 provides a comprehensive review on algae/biomethane production. Methane hydrates created from biomass at the bottom of the vast oceans and in certain permafrost regions may represent another significant resource that could hopefully be explored for utilization in the future as well. Chapter 37 reports methane hydrates on its current status, resources, technology, and potential.