Publicação
Life cycle assessment of microalgae production and biorefining vs. conventional methods for added-value fractions: a literature review
| Resumo: | This dissertation evaluates the potential of microalgae production at industrial scale for economically valuable organic compounds through a comprehensive comparison of life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) with conventional methods via a systematic review. By benchmarking across various industries, we aimed to evaluate microalgae as a sustainable alternative for the production of high value-added compounds. This work includes the LCA of a microalgae production case-study in Portugal, providing a direct comparison with existing literature and industry standards, making it, as far as known, a pioneering work in establishing benchmarks for microalgae-derived products. The research identifies key microalgae species which are known for their high lipid, protein, and pigment contents, making them suitable for various applications, including food, feed and nutraceuticals. Microalgae biorefineries are highlighted for their potential to integrate circular economy frameworks by converting biomass into valuable products while minimizing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. Significant attention is given to the environmental impacts and economic feasibility of microalgae production using the TEA and LCA methodologies. Findings from this work suggest that microalgae can potentially be competitive and an important alternative source for different production systems. Even though it may not be cheaper, this tends to be overcompensated by reduced pollutants, resource usage, and circular economy promotion, thereby reducing industrial waste. Economically, this work provides insights into process bottlenecks and profitability, indicating which production systems may be ready to compete with the current market and which ones require further research for improvement. This approach highlighted innovations in two-stage cultivation and synergetic harvesting techniques demonstrating potential in improving yields and reducing costs, thus becoming more competitive in current markets. |
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| Autores principais: | Ferreira, Flávio da Silva |
| Assunto: | Microalgae Biorefinery Life Cycle Assessment Techno-Economic Analysis Sustainability Teses de mestrado - 2024 |
| Ano: | 2024 |
| País: | Portugal |
| Tipo de documento: | dissertação de mestrado |
| Tipo de acesso: | acesso embargado |
| Instituição associada: | Universidade de Lisboa |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| Origem: | Repositório da Universidade de Lisboa |
| Resumo: | This dissertation evaluates the potential of microalgae production at industrial scale for economically valuable organic compounds through a comprehensive comparison of life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) with conventional methods via a systematic review. By benchmarking across various industries, we aimed to evaluate microalgae as a sustainable alternative for the production of high value-added compounds. This work includes the LCA of a microalgae production case-study in Portugal, providing a direct comparison with existing literature and industry standards, making it, as far as known, a pioneering work in establishing benchmarks for microalgae-derived products. The research identifies key microalgae species which are known for their high lipid, protein, and pigment contents, making them suitable for various applications, including food, feed and nutraceuticals. Microalgae biorefineries are highlighted for their potential to integrate circular economy frameworks by converting biomass into valuable products while minimizing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. Significant attention is given to the environmental impacts and economic feasibility of microalgae production using the TEA and LCA methodologies. Findings from this work suggest that microalgae can potentially be competitive and an important alternative source for different production systems. Even though it may not be cheaper, this tends to be overcompensated by reduced pollutants, resource usage, and circular economy promotion, thereby reducing industrial waste. Economically, this work provides insights into process bottlenecks and profitability, indicating which production systems may be ready to compete with the current market and which ones require further research for improvement. This approach highlighted innovations in two-stage cultivation and synergetic harvesting techniques demonstrating potential in improving yields and reducing costs, thus becoming more competitive in current markets. |
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