Harnessing of algae in the patagonian territory: assessment of its environmental impact
The use of macroscopic seaweed biomass within the concept of a biorefinery is presented as one of the most promising alternatives for obtaining a wide range of compounds by harnessing biomass. However, currently, the study of macroalgal biorefineries is less developed than their terrestrial biomass-...
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| Autores principales: | , , |
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| Formato: | Artículo revista |
| Lenguaje: | Español |
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Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales y Agrimensura
2024
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| Acceso en línea: | https://revistas.unne.edu.ar/index.php/fce/article/view/7407 |
| Aporte de: |
| Sumario: | The use of macroscopic seaweed biomass within the concept of a biorefinery is presented as one of the most promising alternatives for obtaining a wide range of compounds by harnessing biomass. However, currently, the study of macroalgal biorefineries is less developed than their terrestrial biomass-based counterparts. In this regard, the validation of this concept is crucial, considering not only technical feasibility but also including issues related to the environmental dimension of sustainability. Therefore, this work proposes the environmental impact assessment using a life cycle assessment (LCA) of an integrated biorefinery based on macroalgae, employing an open-access computational tool, OpenLCA. The production of 600 t/yr of dimethyl isosorbide (DMI) is considered and compared to the possibility of alternatively producing 322 t/a of DMI and 244 t/a of alginate, equivalent to the use of 1864 t/yr of Patagonian macroalgae. Producing sodium alginate jointly with DMI significatively reduces the environmental impact among all categories. For instance, if it is considered “climate change”, the impact within this category is reduced 25,8 % when both compounds are produced. |
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