Monster potential meets potential monster: pros and cons of deploying genetically modified microalgae for biofuels production.

Abstract:

:Biofuels production from microalgae attracts much attention but remains an unproven technology. We explore routes to enhance production through modifications to a range of generic microalgal physiological characteristics. Our analysis shows that biofuels production may be enhanced ca fivefold through genetic modification (GM) of factors affecting growth rate, respiration, photoacclimation, photosynthesis efficiency and the minimum cell quotas for nitrogen and phosphorous (N : C and P : C). However, simulations indicate that the ideal GM microalgae for commercial deployment could, on escape to the environment, become a harmful algal bloom species par excellence, with attendant risks to ecosystems and livelihoods. In large measure, this is because an organism able to produce carbohydrate and/or lipid at high rates, providing stock metabolites for biofuels production, will also be able to attain a stoichiometric composition that will be far from optimal as food for the support of zooplankton growth. This composition could suppress or even halt the grazing activity that would otherwise control the microalgal growth in nature. In consequence, we recommend that the genetic manipulation of microalgae, with inherent consequences on a scale comparable to geoengineering, should be considered under strict international regulation.

journal_name

Interface Focus

journal_title

Interface focus

authors

Flynn KJ,Mitra A,Greenwell HC,Sui J

doi

10.1098/rsfs.2012.0037

subject

Has Abstract

pub_date

2013-02-06 00:00:00

pages

20120037

issue

1

eissn

2042-8898

issn

2042-8901

pii

rsfs20120037

journal_volume

3

pub_type

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