Data Shows that the Per capita carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in India have soared in recent decades, climbing from roughly 0.4 metric tons in 1970 to a high of 2.07 metric tons in 2023. This was an increase of 6.7 percent in comparison to 2022 levels.
This increase in carbon footprint is due to India’s reliance on coal, the most polluting fossil fuel, is a major contributor to its high carbon emissions. In 2022, coal emissions accounted for more than 1.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, a fivefold increase from 1990.
This carbon emission can be controlled and significantly reduced using the bio sources which can be used in many ways from capturing atmospheric carbon, utilising it and production of many useful resources ranging from Biofuels to beneficial biomolecules. Not only this, if we encourage using microbes for carbon capturing not only we can reduce our reliance on unsustainable sources like fossil fuels but also can reduce carbon footprint.
Microorganisms perform two processes to convert carbon dioxide into biofuels under which first they capture CO2 thus reducing it from atmosphere and then using it to produce biofuels through a biological process. The most widely acceptable microorganisms for this application include “microalgae” and “bacteria”.
“The main idea is to alter the biological pathway used by microorganisms like CBB (Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle), reductive acetyl-coA pathway & 3-Hydroxypropionate pathway which produce biofuels majorly but the efficiency is low and the by products are sometime unstable & hence decreasing yield”.
Currently production of biodiesel by Serratia and Ralstonia eutropha, Bioethanol by Ralstonia eutropha H16, Biogas by Methanothermobacter and 1-Butanol by Clostridium tyrobutyricum is under process but the challenge here is the yield which can be increased by genetically modifying the microorganisms.

The microbe we have selected is “Microalgae” because they are widely distributed, easily cultivated, grows quickly, utilizes carbon dioxide at a fast rate, has a higher cell density, and can also be easily genetically modified. Moreover, microalgae can produce other value-added by-products in addition to biofuels such as proteins and fertilizers, thus increasing the scope of their applications. Despite these advantages, the fuels derived from microalgae have an imbalance of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids leading to low fuel properties which we can genetically modify.
Biofuels can be of two types to stand out for their potential to replace fossil fuels:
1. Bioethanol: Bioethanol, primarily made from sugar, starch, and cellulosic feedstock, can be used as a substitute for gasoline and is currently being mixed with gasoline to reduce emissions from vehicles.
2. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, and used cooking oil. It can replace diesel in most applications and has the advantage of being biodegradable and non-toxic.

One of the most intriguing developments in the biofuel sector is the utilization of captured CO2 in their production process. This innovative method transforms the greenhouse gas from a waste product into a valuable raw material for generating renewable energy.
In conclusion, biofuels can present a credible and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Their advantages extend beyond environmental benefits to include social and economic gains. As we transition to a post-carbon economy, biofuels, particularly those produced using captured CO2, could become a key player in the global energy landscape.

Anmol Singh

University/College name : Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University Kanpur Nagar