An Overview of Algae Biofuel Production and Potential Environmental Impact

Menetrez, Marc Y.

doi:10.1021/es300917r

Cited by 234 publications

(112 citation statements)

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“…The use of biomass helps to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels as well as the carbon dioxide emissions responsible for the greenhouse effect, due to its CO2 neutrality [1]. Microalgae have been identified as one of the most promising biomass sources of energy [2]. In comparison with traditional terrestrial crops, microalgae do not require arable lands and can be produced all year round at high growth rate with a reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides [3,4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Double Distribution Activation Energy Model as Suitable Tool in Explaining Biomass and Coal Pyrolysis Behavior

et al. 2015

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Understanding and modeling of coal and biomass pyrolysis assume particular importance being the first step occurring in both gasification and combustion processes. The complex chemical reaction network occurring in this step leads to a necessary effort in developing a suitable model framework capable of grasping the physics of the phenomenon and allowing a deeper comprehension of the sequence of events. The aim of this work is to show how the intrinsic flexibility of a model based on a double distribution of the activation energy is able to properly describe the two separate steps of primary and secondary pyrolysis, which characterize the thermochemical processing of most of the energetic materials. The model performance was tested by fitting the kinetic parameters from experimental data obtained by thermogravimetric analysis of two materials, which represent very different classes of energy source: a microalgae biomass and a sub-bituminous coal. The model reproduces with high accuracy the pyrolysis behavior of both the materials and adds important information about the relative occurring of the two pyrolysis steps.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Double Distribution Activation Energy Model as Suitable Tool in Explaining Biomass and Coal Pyrolysis Behavior

et al. 2015

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“…This is largely due to the fact that the development of a new industry based on cutting-edge research is a complex matter, and the associated timelines are difficult to predict. Additionally, the cost of an average size cellulosic ethanol plant of 20 to 25 Mgal/yr (75.7 x10 3 to 94.6x10 3 m 3 /yr), can range from $200 to $250 million, a daunting investment (Menetrez, 2012). Still, the RFS production standard represents an important national goal that encourages the development of additional sources of renewable ethanol and bio diesel.…”

Section: Meeting the Rfs Challenge For Cellulosic Ethanol -Current Tomentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Once extracted, these sugars and oils can also be converted into ethanol and biodiesel, as depicted in Figure 1. Biofuels, such as biodiesel, ethanol, and various petroleum products, can be produced by a large variety of biologically-dependent processes (Menetrez, 2012). Both natural and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (algae, bacteria, fungi, and yeast) have been used to generate biofuels directly or indirectly by producing biofuel intermediate products such as oil, (Public Law 110-140, 2007;Thompson et al, 2010;Environmental News Service, 2011;RFS Renewable Fuels Association, 2012 .…”

Section: Biofuel Production Pathwaysmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…carbohydrates, and sugars or enzymes (Briggs, 2004;Hu et al, 2006;Becker, 2007;Li et al, 2007;Adams, et al, 2008;Evangelista et al, 2008;Graham et al, 2008;Hu et al, 2008;Lundquist et al, 2010;González-Fernández et al, 2011;Venkata Mohan et al, 2011;Menetrez, 2012). The composition of many dry mass plant feedstocks (corn kernels, corn stover, switchgrass, poplar hybrid) commonly used for biofuel generation can vary (Table 3).…”

Section: Biofuel Production Pathwaysmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Meeting the U.S. renewable fuel standard: a comparison of biofuel pathways

Menetrez¹

2014

Biofuel Res. J.

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HIGHLIGHTSThe production of renewable energy is undergoing rapid development. Ethanol primarily derived from corn and biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil and agricultural grains are established sources of renewable transportation fuel. Cellulosic ethanol production is increasing substantially, but at a rate below expectations. If future renewable fuel projections are to be accomplished, additional sources will be needed. Ideally, these sources should be independent of competing feedstock use such as food grains, and require a minimal footprint. Although the uses of algae seem promising, a number of demonstrations have not been economically successful in today"s market. This paper identifies efforts being conducted on ethanol and biodiesel production and how algae might contribute to the production of biofuel in the United States. Additionally, the feedstock and land requirements of existing biofuel pathways are compared and discussed.

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“…In the past two decades, there has been increasing research and technological development of biofuels and bioenergy by academia, industry, and other organizations (Brenan and Owende, 2010). Algae are one of the most studied potential sources of biofuels and bioenergy (Menetrez, 2012). Algal fuels are attractive to energy researchers, engineers, post-graduate and advanced undergraduate students, and others interested in pursuing research of bioenergy and bio-based products.…”

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confidence: 99%

Editorial: Recent Advancements in Algae-to-Biofuels Research: Novel Growth Technologies, Conversion Methods, and Assessments of Economic and Environmental Impacts

Jena

Hoekman

2017

Front. Energy Res.

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Biomass-derived fuels and chemicals provide an alternative to conventional petroleum-based feedstocks owing to their greater energy security, reduced environmental impacts, foreign exchange savings, and socioeconomic benefits (Demirbas, 2009). In the past two decades, there has been increasing research and technological development of biofuels and bioenergy by academia, industry, and other organizations (Brenan and Owende, 2010). Algae are one of the most studied potential sources of biofuels and bioenergy (Menetrez, 2012). Algal fuels are attractive to energy researchers, engineers, post-graduate and advanced undergraduate students, and others interested in pursuing research of bioenergy and bio-based products. Research into identification of productive algae species and conversion of algae into alternative fuels and other bioproducts is taking place in both public and private arenas. Although research has been conducted on algal strain selection, maintenance of pure species, growth and cultivation of algae biomass, there is still significant room for improvement in these areas (Hannon et al., 2010). Also, macroalgae (commonly known as "seaweed") have not been fully exploited as a biofuel resource. Minimizing land, water, and nutrient use is critical to sustainable algae production. Recycling of process water, nutrients, and energy is crucial to large-scale algae production (Darzins et al., 2010;Hannon et al., 2010). The downstream processing of algal components into fuel and high-value coproducts poses a different set of challenges. Through processing technologies such as anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, gasification, catalytic cracking, and enzymatic or chemical transesterification, whole algal biomass or algal extracts can be converted into different fuels, including biogas, kerosene, ethanol, jet fuel, and bio-hydrogen (Chisti, 2007;Christenson and Sims, 2011;Jena and Das, 2011;Milledge et al., 2014). Other areas of interest include development of higher efficiency harvesting and dewatering technologies, improved high-value product extraction and downstream processing, and development of novel conversion methods suitable for wet algae.In view of increasing efforts on algae biomass production and its conversion into energy and high-value products, this research topic covers important aspects of algal strain selection, culture systems, inorganic carbon utilization, lipid metabolism and quality, biomass harvesting, extraction of lipids and proteins, and thermochemical conversion of algal feedstocks into biocrude.

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An Overview of Algae Biofuel Production and Potential Environmental Impact

Abstract: Algae are among the most potentially significant sources of sustainable biofuels in the future of renewable energy. A feedstock with virtually unlimited applicability, algae can metabolize various waste streams (e.g

Cited by 234 publications

References 95 publications

Double Distribution Activation Energy Model as Suitable Tool in Explaining Biomass and Coal Pyrolysis Behavior

Double Distribution Activation Energy Model as Suitable Tool in Explaining Biomass and Coal Pyrolysis Behavior

Meeting the U.S. renewable fuel standard: a comparison of biofuel pathways

Editorial: Recent Advancements in Algae-to-Biofuels Research: Novel Growth Technologies, Conversion Methods, and Assessments of Economic and Environmental Impacts

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