Duckweeds: Exploring Their Potential as a Sustainable Renewable Energy Source

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of duckweed as a sustainable renewable energy source. Duckweed is a fast-growing aquatic plant that can be cultivated on wastewater and potentially harvested for biofuel production. In this paper various methods of producing biofuels from duckweed have been reviewed such as thermochemical conversion, lipid extraction, direct transesterification, and microbial fermentation. The paper also discusses the advantages and challenges of duckweed cultivation, harvesting, and processing, as well as the economic and environmental aspects of duckweed biofuel production. Taking everything into account, the paper concludes that duckweed is a promising feedstock for biofuels. However, more research is needed to optimize the technology and processes required to make duckweed bio-refineries feasible, as well as assess impacts of these refineries.