The potential seaweed resources assessment: Its cultivation prospect and future biofuel feedstock

Global issues on energy and fuel for sustainable development industrial and household system are a major concern in the world economy. Biofuel is a renewable energy source that can potentially be a replacement for fossil fuels. The utilization of algal biomass or seaweed organic matter is a good source of ethanol, methanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel. Malaysia’s waters recorded approximately 400 species of macroalgae, with several species found to be a potential source for biofuel application. An expedition study for the seaweed natural resources was carried out in December 2016 in coastal areas in Johor and Melaka, Peninsular Malaysia. Green seaweed, Ulva, large brown seaweed, Sargassum, and Gracilaria (red seaweed) are found in the selected study areas and these genera are listed as biofuel resources in the literature. The design of offshore mariculture system specifically for seaweed farming for biomass production for biofuel. The prototype was constructed and deployed in Bidong Island, Terengganu in 2016 before the monsoon. At the end of the monsoon period, the prototype is still stable in situ. Selected seaweed species with biofuel potential were trial cultivated on the system and the growth performance of the particular species was monitored. The suggested species for biofuel are Gracilaria and Ulva, while Kappaphycus is targeted for the food industry. Gracilaria and Ulva were also studied for their bioremediation potential and suitability to grow on the system. Gracilaria spp. was able to grow on the system, indicating the designed system is feasible for biomass production of seaweed. Further, the selected seaweed species can function as biofilters for the nutrients in the environment and acceptability for a wide salinity range meaning that the system can be applied in different locations such as estuary, inshore, or offshore. Seaweed biofuel and its subsequent advantage related to pollution-free energy generation is of critical importance.