| Abstrakt: |
AbstractAlthough open outdoor pond systems are the most economically viable option for mass cultivation of algae as a biofuel source, such systems face a number of limitations. Open ponds experience environmental fluctuations (i.e., light levels, nutrient ratios, and temperature), invasion pressure by undesired algal species, pathogen infections, and herbivory by invading zooplankton, all of which may negatively influence the system's overall harvestable yield. Using ecological principles to address the limitations of open-pond cultivation is a promising direction in algal biofuel research. This review surveys the growing body of work on these topics and offers a mechanistic framework for optimizing algal biofuel production while minimizing the negative effects of invasion, infection, and herbivory. High levels of productivity (in terms of biomass and lipids) are crucial for viable biofuel production and can be achieved by increasing algal diversity and assembling communities based on species' eco-physiological traits. Herbivory can be significantly reduced by choosing algal species resistant to grazing or by introducing biotic controls on herbivores. Diverse assemblages of algal species can be constructed to fill in the available ecological niche space, leading not only to high productivity but also reduced invasibility by undesired strains and potentially reduced susceptibility to algal diseases. Optimization of the mass cultivation of algae requires an interdisciplinary approach that includes using ecological principles for designing productive, resistant, and resilient algal communities. |
