Aquatic biomass as sustainable feedstock for biorefineries

Abstract

The development of biorefineries is a crucial step in the circular economy framework. In biorefineries, research is intensified towards utilizing feedstocks, which do not need arable land or compete with food sources. In this scenario, emerged, submerged and free-floating aquatic plants are garnering significant attention as potential feedstocks owing to their generation in huge quantities, especially in eutrophic water bodies, similar composition to lignocellulosic biomass with lower lignin content and requirement for only mild pre-treatments. Therefore, exploring the feasibility of using these aquatic plants for the production of various biocommodities in a biorefinery approach can be of prime importance. In light of this, the current review illustrates the use of some of the major aquatic plants for the production of different biocommodities. The main focus of the study is to shed light on the various biorefinery schemes that could be implemented using these aquatic plants. It also outlines the challenges and prospects of aquatic plant-based biorefineries. The findings suggest that various biorefinery schemes can be implemented using these aquatic plants and a combination of chemical and biological processes could aid in lowering the cost and achieving better yields. Furthermore, it is also observed that research on large-scale management and valorization of these aquatic plants also needs to be intensified.

Waste-to-Energy Pipeline through Consolidated Fermentation–Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) System

“…The composition of various aquatic biomass such as microalgae, macroalgae, shrimp shells, crab shells, etc., includes chitin, glucosamine-based biopolymer, protein, lipid, and carbohydrates [45][46][47]. These sources of organic matter are promising feedstocks for value-added bioproduct and bioenergy conversions [48,49]. The upcycling of solid aquaculture waste and its applications in biofuel, biosorbent, hydrochar, etc., production are seen as another value-added process to secure aquaculture sustainability [50].…”

Impact of Low Lithium Concentrations on the Fatty Acids and Elemental Composition of Salvinia natans

“…Aquatic plants have a fast growth rate, high photosynthetic efficiency, good biomass productivity and high content of protein, starch, sugar, and fat [ 1 ]. Based on their characteristics, aquatic plants are a promising feedstock source, suitable for producing bioresources for protein, fish and other animal feed or supplements, soil compost, biofertilizers, biofuels and other value-added products [ 1 ].…”

Sustainability achievement through the effective conversion of aquatic biomass into biofuel and its investigation in the CI engine

“…For this reason, state-of-theart technologies are consistently being created to challenge traditional energy supplies. Biofuel has competed well with traditional energy sources, and it may soon replace all other energy sources on Earth [4]. Conventional fuels currently supply about 80% of the world's energy need.…”