The carbon footprint and non-renewable energy demand of algae-derived biodiesel

Azadi, Pooya; Brownbridge, George P.E.; Mosbach, Sebastian; Smallbone, Andrew; Bhave, Amit; Inderwildi, Oliver R.; Kraft, Markus

doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.09.027

Cited by 85 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Currently, bio-oil obtained from algae is considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels due to its high energy content Brownbridge et al, 2014) and low life-cycle emissions of greenhouse gases (Li et al, 2011;Azadi et al, 2014). Algae biomass (both microalgae and macroalgae/seaweeds) has higher lipid content and energy content than most lignocellulosic biomass (wood, plants) used for biofuels (Ross et al, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Demineralization of Sargassum spp. Macroalgae Biomass: Selective Hydrothermal Liquefaction Process for Bio-Oil Production

et al. 2015

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Algae biomasses are considered a viable option for the production of biofuel because of their high yields of oil produced per dry weight. Brown macroalgae Sargassum spp. are one of the most abundant species of algae in the shores of Puerto Rico. Its availability in large quantity presents a great opportunity for use as a source of renewable energy. However, high ash content of macroalgae affects the conversion processes and the quality of resulting fuel products. This research studied the effect of different demineralization treatments of Sargassum spp. biomass, subsequent hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), and bio-oil characterization. Demineralization constituted five different treatments: nanopure water, nitric acid, citric acid, sulfuric acid, and acetic acid. Performance of demineralization was evaluated by analyzing both demineralized biomass and HTL products by the following analyses: total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, ash content, caloric content, metals analysis, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and GCMS analysis. HTL of Sargassum spp. before and after citric acid treatment was performed in a 1.8 L batch reactor system at 350°C with a holding time of 60 min and high pressures (5-21 MPa). Demineralization treatment with nitric acid was found the most effective in reducing the ash content of the macroalgae biomass from 27.46 to 0.99% followed by citric acid treatment that could reduce the ash content to 7%. Citric acid did not show significant leaching of organic components such as carbohydrates and proteins, and represented a less toxic and hazardous option for demineralization. HTL of untreated and citric acid treated Sargassum spp. resulted in bio-oil yields of 18.4 0.1 and 22.2 0.1% (ash-free dry basis), respectively. ± ±

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Demineralization of Sargassum spp. Macroalgae Biomass: Selective Hydrothermal Liquefaction Process for Bio-Oil Production

et al. 2015

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“…Indeed, our knowledge on methane yield and nutrient recovery using semi-continuous bioreactors is scarce and needs to be greatly expanded and enhanced due to its importance in improving overall energy, economic, and sustainability returns for algal technology [6,12]. Moreover, the methane yield, critical to process feasibility [19,20], has yet to be optimized due to a lack of sufficient experimentation with semi-continuous processing parameters, i.e. organic loading rate (OLR).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prospects for methane production and nutrient recycling from lipid extracted residues and whole Nannochloropsis salina using anaerobic digestion

et al. 2015

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“…Multiple LCAs of microalgae to biofuels processes incorporating various conversion technologies have been performed with results varying dramatically due to simplistic process models, differences in production pathways, and incomplete system boundaries (Adesanya et al, 2014;Azadi et al, 2014;Batan et al, 2010;Brentner et al, 2011;Campbell et al, 2011;Collet et al, 2014;Frank et al, 2013;Frank et al, 2011;Grierson et al, 2013;Handler et al, 2014;Liu et al, 2013;Passell et al, 2013;Ponnusamy et al, 2014;Quinn et al, 2014;Shirvani et al, 2011;Sills et al, 2013;Soh et al, 2014;Vasudevan et al, 2012;Woertz et al, 2014). The majority of the previous studies have focused on traditional lipid extraction systems (Adesanya et al, 2014;Azadi et al, 2014;Batan et al, 2010;Brentner et al, 2011;Campbell et al, 2011;Collet et al, 2014;Frank et al, 2011;Handler et al, 2014;Passell et al, 2013;Quinn et al, 2014;Shirvani et al, 2011;Sills et al, 2013;Soh et al, 2014;Vasudevan et al, 2012;Woertz et al, 2014). Other LCA studies surveyed utilized thermochemical conversion, secretion or supercritical water bio-oil recovery technologies (Brentner et al, 2011;Frank et al, 2013;Grierson et al, 2013;...…”

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confidence: 99%

The potentials and challenges of algae based biofuels: A review of the techno-economic, life cycle, and resource assessment modeling

Quinn

Davis

2015

Bioresource Technology

388

228

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Microalgae biofuel production has been extensively evaluated through resource, economic and life cycle assessments. Resource assessments consistently identify land as non-limiting and highlight the need to consider siting based on combined geographical constraints of land and other critical resources such as water and carbon dioxide. Economic assessments report a selling cost of fuel that ranges between $1.64 and over $30 gal(-1) consistent with large variability reported in the life cycle literature, -75 to 534 gCO2-eq MJ(-1). Large drivers behind such variability stem from differences in productivity assumptions, pathway technologies, and system boundaries. Productivity represents foundational units in these assessments with current assumed yields in various assessments varying by a factor of 60. A review of the literature in these areas highlights the need for harmonized assessments such that direct comparisons of alternative processing technologies can be made on the metrics of resource requirements, economic feasibility, and environmental impact.

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The carbon footprint and non-renewable energy demand of algae-derived biodiesel

Cited by 85 publications

References 18 publications

Demineralization of Sargassum spp. Macroalgae Biomass: Selective Hydrothermal Liquefaction Process for Bio-Oil Production

Demineralization of Sargassum spp. Macroalgae Biomass: Selective Hydrothermal Liquefaction Process for Bio-Oil Production

Prospects for methane production and nutrient recycling from lipid extracted residues and whole Nannochloropsis salina using anaerobic digestion

The potentials and challenges of algae based biofuels: A review of the techno-economic, life cycle, and resource assessment modeling

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