Why in News?
IIT Guwahati researchers developed a two-stage microalgae cultivation process that improves both carbon-dioxide capture and production of biomass for bioenergy.
How does the process work?
Microalgae use CO₂ while growing, so they can simultaneously capture carbon and produce biomass that can be converted into fuels such as biodiesel.
The new process changes CO₂ concentration between two growth stages and adds nutrients to improve biomass production and carbon fixation.
It also promotes natural settling of the algae, reducing the energy needed to separate and harvest biomass — an important cost in algal biofuel production.
Exam Connect
Microalgae → can capture CO₂ and produce bioenergy feedstock
Bioenergy → energy derived from biological material