Bioremediation and other potential applications of coccolithophorid algae: A review

Coccolithophorid algae (Haptophycea) are mainly marine unicellular phytoplankton. The coccolithophorids are of global interest as they can fix carbon by photosynthesis as well as in calcium carbonate (coccoliths). They are the largest carbon sinks and one of the largest primary producers on the planet. They can also produce high amounts of lipids which have a high potential application as a renewable fuel and alternative food source. This paper reviews current knowledge on coccolithophorid algae photosynthesis and calcification and their potential industrial applications.