There are many microalgal species on the globe growing in both marine and freshwater environments. Algae are used in many countries in various industries such as cosmetics, agriculture, wastewater treatment and also in the search for new drugs. Taken from the bottom of the marine food chain, microalgae may also soon become a top-tier contender to combat global warming, as well as energy and food insecurity, according to a study by researchers at the Cornell Algal Biofuel Consortium. In fact, industrial cultivation of marine microalgae could reduce the use of fossil fuels by supplying liquid hydrocarbon biofuels for the aviation and cargo shipping industries. The biomass of microalgae remaining after the lipids have been removed for biofuels can then be made into nutritious animal feeds or even be consumed by humans.