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    Item type:Publication,
    Exploring the efficiency and scalability of using algae as a biomass feedstock for biofuel production
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-08)
    Niranjana Karukayil Gopalakrishnan
    ;
    Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian
    ;
    Arun Meyyazhagan
    ;
    Aditi Chaudhary
    ;
    Vino Palani
    Sustainability is paramount to preserving essential resources for future generations. The widespread use of fossil fuels generates significant pollution, severely impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through phenomena such as acid rain. Despite their rapid growth, high photosynthetic efficiency, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, algae have become a viable alternative biomass feedstock for biofuel production. This review explores the efficiency and scalability of algae-based biofuels, focusing on key factors such as biomass yield, lipid content, and conversion technologies. Algae have a higher lipid yield compared to traditional biofuel feedstocks such as corn or soybeans, making them an attractive option for large-scale fuel production. However, several obstacles hinder the widespread adoption of algae-based biofuels, including high production costs, energy-intensive cultivation, and water consumption. This paper also examines the efficiency and suitability of various cultivation technologies, including open ponds and photobioreactors, for large-scale production. Algal biofuel production could become more economically viable and environmentally sustainable through the integration of carbon capture technology and wastewater treatment. Advances in genetic engineering and metabolic optimization are further increasing lipid productivity, offering promising prospects for large-scale applications. This review additionally provides an analysis of genetic engineering techniques aimed at increasing biofuel yields. The study emphasizes the potential of algae-based biofuels to serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, highlighting these innovative approaches. While the evaluation acknowledges that algae-based biofuels can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change, it also notes that further research and development are necessary to overcome current financial and technological challenges. This review explores the recent advancements in algae cultivation, harvesting techniques, and biofuel extraction processes. Its goal is to present a comprehensive understanding of the current state of algae as a sustainable and effective feedstock for biofuel production, along with future prospects.
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    Item type:Publication,
    Microplastics distribution and potential health implications of food and food products
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-03-01)
    Sana Syed Ansar
    ;
    Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian
    ;
    Aditi Chaudhary
    ;
    Karthika Pushparaj
    ;
    Niranjana Karukayil Gopalakrishnan
    Microplastics, miniscule plastic fragments ubiquitous in the environment, pose a growing threat as they infiltrate our food chain. This review delves into the contamination of various food categories, including seafood, agricultural products, and even processed foods through packaging and processing methods. Developing reliable analytical techniques to accurately detect microplastics levels within complex food matrices is crucial to gauge the true extent of this contamination. Although the entire range of potential health effects associated with microplastic intake is not yet known, there is reason to be concerned about the risks. These include the potential for microplastics to physically hurt the gastrointestinal tract, exposure to chemicals that seep from the polymers themselves, and the potential for microplastics to act as carriers for other dangerous compounds. This analysis identifies important knowledge gaps about the long-term health effects of microplastics exposure. It highlights the urgent need for more investigation to fully assess the possible dangers connected to microplastics in the food chain. Furthermore, it is imperative that efficient mitigation measures be put in place as soon as possible to protect food safety from microplastics contamination. More cooperation is required to create more stringent laws governing the use of plastic, investigate substitute materials for manufacturing and packaging, and create effective filtering systems for the processing of food and water. Through devoted research to close knowledge gaps and the implementation of strong mitigation strategies, can make proactive efforts to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of our food supply chain for future generations.