Heterotrophic pathways

Organisms are separated into heterotrophs and autotrophs according to their energy pathways. A couple of successful industrial heterotrophic microalgal productions have been build. All other organisms must make use of food that comes from other organisms in the form of fats carbohydrates and proteins.

These organisms which feed on others are called heterotrophs. A good place to look for heterotrophic species is between decaying seaweed where the decomposition processes result in a rich variety of dissolved organic substances. The Heterotrophic growth of microalgae is usually slower than autotrophic growth usually about 2/3 of the growth rate of autotrophic growth. A reactor for heterotrophic production is referred to as a fermentor even by the growth procedure is respiration – and not fermentation. This means that the algae need oxygen.