Publisher's Synopsis
Microalgae, also known as phytoplankton, are abundant microorganisms, which are found in freshwater and marine environments. Phytoplankton are important in global biogeochemistry since they produce the bulk of oxygen on Earth through photosynthesis. They form the base of the marine food web and are primary producers of organic carbon. Microalgal species can synthesize high value chemical products, such as carotenoids, antioxidants, fatty acids, and sterols. Most recently, microalgae have become an attractive raw material of biofuel, in the form of biodiesel. In this book, expert authors describe the latest research and newest approaches to the study of these important organisms, as well as covering the more traditional methods such as morphotaxonomy.
