Driving toward sustainable algal fuels: A harmonization of techno-economic and life cycle assessments

Cruce, Jesse; Beattie, Audrey; Chen, Peter; Quiroz, David Castillo; Somers, Michael D.; Compton, Samuel; DeRose, Katherine; Beckstrom, Braden Dale; Quinn, Jason C.

doi:10.1016/j.algal.2020.102169

Cited by 24 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 67 publications

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“…), and culture conditions (e.g., outdoor pond, outdoor raceway, photobioreactor) alongside the ease with which algal biodiesel can be integrated into contemporary fuel systems for valorization of photosynthetically sequestered CO 2 . However, meta-analyses and harmonization reports have highlighted how the range of modeling assumptions, process data, and altogether divergent production schemes can heavily impact the translation of experimental data from flask to field ( Quinn and Davis, 2015 ; Tu et al, 2017 ; Cruce et al, 2021 ). Quinn et al note the variability in TEA/LCA metrics, citing reports of GHG emissions varying from -75–532 g CO 2 eq per 1 MJ fuel as well as approximately $1.34 to $30 per gallon of fuel ( Quinn and Davis, 2015 ).…”

Section: Economic and Environmental Evaluation Of Bioproduction Platf...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Harmonization reports have attempted to synthesize these data to better assess the state of technology and note areas of greatest sensitivity. In the case of algal bioproduction, harmonization reports have emphasized pond productivity as and material inputs as major targets for optimization ( Cruce et al, 2021 ). Perhaps most importantly, is that these studies stress the necessity for data reliability, transparency, availability, and model homogenization such that assumptions between studies can be controlled for and conclusions better validated.…”

Section: Economic and Environmental Evaluation Of Bioproduction Platf...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many thorough reviews, LCAs, TEAs, and subsequent harmonization reports have investigated varied photoautotrophic biofuel production methodologies in an attempt to better understand limitations barring commerciality ( Quinn and Davis, 2015 ; Tu et al, 2017 ; Cruce et al, 2021 ). In general, the scaling of algal platforms has proven economically prohibitive due to high CAPEX of the cultivation methodology (e.g., outdoor raceways, photobioreactors, or cattle tanks) combined with culture instability and relative extraction efficiencies.…”

Section: Advances In Feedstock Engineeringmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nonetheless, the plurality of bioproduction assessments of emergent technologies poses a challenge to comparative analyses due to the sheer range of inputs, strategies, and overall frameworks, which are especially true for LCAs ( Cruce et al, 2021 ). Assessments usually require simplification of the system.…”

Section: Perspectives and Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Translating advances in microbial bioproduction to sustainable biotechnology

Carruthers

Lee

2022

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.

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Advances in synthetic biology have radically changed our ability to rewire microorganisms and significantly improved the scalable production of a vast array of drop-in biopolymers and biofuels. The success of a drop-in bioproduct is contingent on market competition with petrochemical analogues and weighted upon relative economic and environmental metrics. While the quantification of comparative trade-offs is critical for accurate process-level decision making, the translation of industrial ecology to synthetic biology is often ambiguous and assessment accuracy has proven challenging. In this review, we explore strategies for evaluating industrial biotechnology through life cycle and techno-economic assessment, then contextualize how recent developments in synthetic biology have improved process viability by expanding feedstock availability and the productivity of microbes. By juxtaposing biological and industrial constraints, we highlight major obstacles between the disparate disciplines that hinder accurate process evaluation. The convergence of these disciplines is crucial in shifting towards carbon neutrality and a circular bioeconomy.

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Section: Economic and Environmental Evaluation Of Bioproduction Platf...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Economic and Environmental Evaluation Of Bioproduction Platf...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Advances In Feedstock Engineeringmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Perspectives and Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Translating advances in microbial bioproduction to sustainable biotechnology

Carruthers

Lee

2022

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.

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“…2). Increased biomass productivity is one of the most important factors contributing to improved profitability of the production process [37]. Thus, alternation of H. coffeaeformis with 1) and (2).…”

Section: Effect Of Temperature and Salinity On H Coffeaeformis Growth Ratementioning

confidence: 99%

Temperature and Salinity Effect on Tolerance and Lipid Accumulation in Halamphora coffeaeformis: an Approach for Outdoor Bioenergy Cultures

et al. 2021

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Biodiesel production from the microalgal oil of the estuarine diatom Halamphora coffeaeformis has proven to be technically viable. However, a fuller understanding of the environmental factors that regulate its tolerance and neutral lipid accumulation is required for improved mass cultivation in seawater-based outdoor raceway ponds. Meteorological conditions and evaporation processes can significantly influence factors such as the salt levels, water temperature and nutrient and light availability in these systems. Laboratory experiments with H. coffeaeformis growing in f/2 medium were therefore carried out in order to evaluate the effect of temperature and salinity on its growth and tolerance ranges and the effect of salinity on its total lipid and lipid fraction content and fatty acid methyl ester profile. Results indicate that the temperature and salinity ranges of the species were 5 °C to 30 °C and 5‰ to 95‰, respectively. The optimum temperature was between 20 and 25 °C, and the optimum salinity was 20‰. Neutral lipid accumulation increased in cells adapted at 45‰ with respect to those growing at 20‰. Total lipid composition at 45 ‰ was characterized by 85.5% neutral lipids, 2.5% phospholipids and a high percentage of C16.1 (36.4% of total fatty acids). These properties are important for an adequate quality of biodiesel. The eurytolerant behaviour of H. coffeaeformis and the effect of salinity stress on its growth and neutral lipid accumulation are demonstrated. The findings indicate the beneficial attributes of this strain for the development and feasibility of seawater-based outdoor raceway ponds for biodiesel production.

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