In this graph, it's evident that over the past few decades, the concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has dramatically increased, rising from 300 to 420 parts per million. This significant rise correlates with an increasing average global temperature. As many of you are aware, this phenomenon, known as global warming, leads to weather extremes and droughts. This trend is deeply concerning as it poses serious challenges to our environment, ecosystems, and communities worldwide.

Microbes are tiny, often microscopic organisms that play crucial roles in our world. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, each with unique characteristics and functions. Despite their small size, microbes are essential for processes like decomposition, fermentation, and even human health. 

The article on the right highlights the growing importance of microalgae as a sustainable and versatile bio-material in addressing environmental pollution and energy needs. It emphasizes recent research identifying microalgae as promising for bioenergy production, wastewater treatment, high-value product development, and CO2 capture. Specifically, microalgae can generate biodiesel, bioethanol, methane, and hydrogen. A novel application discussed is their use in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), where microalgae degrade to release electrons that produce electricity at the anode. Additionally, microalgae can be cultivated in MFC cathode chambers to capture CO2 and utilize light as an energy source. This critical review examines these applications, highlighting their benefits, current limitations, and future prospects in advancing eco-friendly energy solutions.

The innovative flat panel photobioreactor (PBR) prototype on the left features advanced hydrodynamic parameters, including a CO2 supply strategy and an artificial lighting system. It employs a novel liquid handling strategy with pump-assisted circulation for efficient culture mixing and enhanced CO2 mass transfer, resulting in lower power consumption. The system's biological performance has been successfully tested, particularly with the cultivation of Acutodesmus obliquus, achieving a CO2 bio-fixation efficiency of 64%, higher than previously reported in the literature.

Explore the fundamental differences between batch reactors, Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTR), and Plug Flow Reactors (PFR) in this informative video.