Algal Biomass refers to the biomass produced by growing algae.  It is similar to biomass produced by farm crops like soybean plants.  It contains three major categories of chemicals – oils and fats, sugars and carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids – and two minor categories of chemicals – DNA and minerals.   

The oils & fats can be extracted and refined into biodiesel fuel.  The sugars and carbohydrates can be refined into ethanol fuel.  And, the proteins and amino acids can be processed into animal feed.  Some species also contain important vitamin supplements and other valuable chemicals.