Prospects of algae and their environmental applications in Malaysia: a case study.
Algae are gaining wide attention in the recent times energy scenario as an alternative renewable source of biomass due to the increased awareness of finite fossil fuel resources and the associated problems. From the environmental aspects, algae could be used to produce biofuel, to remove nutrients and other pollutant from wastewaters, to maintain water quality, as indicators of environmental change and as CO2 sequester. The present review discusses an overview of micro and macroalgae resources and their environmental application includes wastewater treatment, CO2 sequestration and biofuel production are highlighted. Several recommendations are added from the author's point of view regarding the prospects of Malaysia becoming a leading figure in algae utilization. It is hope that Malaysia's progress in algae products industry will not only benefit itself but rather as the role model to catalyst the development of global algae industry as a whole.