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Bellido-Pedraza CM, Torres MJ, Llamas A. The Microalgae Chlamydomonas for Bioremediation and Bioproduct Production. Cells 2024; 13:1137. [PMID: 38994989 PMCID: PMC11240456 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The extensive metabolic diversity of microalgae, coupled with their rapid growth rates and cost-effective production, position these organisms as highly promising resources for a wide range of biotechnological applications. These characteristics allow microalgae to address crucial needs in the agricultural, medical, and industrial sectors. Microalgae are proving to be valuable in various fields, including the remediation of diverse wastewater types, the production of biofuels and biofertilizers, and the extraction of various products from their biomass. For decades, the microalga Chlamydomonas has been widely used as a fundamental research model organism in various areas such as photosynthesis, respiration, sulfur and phosphorus metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and flagella synthesis, among others. However, in recent years, the potential of Chlamydomonas as a biotechnological tool for bioremediation, biofertilization, biomass, and bioproducts production has been increasingly recognized. Bioremediation of wastewater using Chlamydomonas presents significant potential for sustainable reduction in contaminants and facilitates resource recovery and valorization of microalgal biomass, offering important economic benefits. Chlamydomonas has also established itself as a platform for the production of a wide variety of biotechnologically interesting products, such as different types of biofuels, and high-value-added products. The aim of this review is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the potential of Chlamydomonas in these aspects, and to explore their interrelationship, which would offer significant environmental and biotechnological advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen M Bellido-Pedraza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Campus de Rabanales and Campus Internacional de Excelencia Agroalimentario (CeiA3), University of Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Maria J Torres
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Campus de Rabanales and Campus Internacional de Excelencia Agroalimentario (CeiA3), University of Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Angel Llamas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Campus de Rabanales and Campus Internacional de Excelencia Agroalimentario (CeiA3), University of Córdoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
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Blifernez-Klassen O, Hassa J, Reinecke DL, Busche T, Klassen V, Kruse O. Microbial Diversity and Community Structure of Wastewater-Driven Microalgal Biofilms. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2994. [PMID: 38138138 PMCID: PMC10745310 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dwindling water sources increase the need for efficient wastewater treatment. Solar-driven algal turf scrubber (ATS) system may remediate wastewater by supporting the development and growth of periphytic microbiomes that function and interact in a highly dynamic manner through symbiotic interactions. Using ITS and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we profiled the microbial communities of four microbial biofilms from ATS systems operated with municipal wastewater (mWW), diluted cattle and pig manure (CattleM and PigM), and biogas plant effluent supernatant (BGE) in comparison to the initial inocula and the respective wastewater substrates. The wastewater-driven biofilms differed significantly in their biodiversity and structure, exhibiting an inocula-independent but substrate-dependent establishment of the microbial communities. The prokaryotic communities were comparable among themselves and with other microbiomes of aquatic environments and were dominated by metabolically flexible prokaryotes such as nitrifiers, polyphosphate-accumulating and algicide-producing microorganisms, and anoxygenic photoautotrophs. Striking differences occurred in eukaryotic communities: While the mWW biofilm was characterized by high biodiversity and many filamentous (benthic) microalgae, the agricultural wastewater-fed biofilms consisted of less diverse communities with few benthic taxa mainly inhabited by unicellular chlorophytes and saprophytes/parasites. This study advances our understanding of the microbiome structure and function within the ATS-based wastewater treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Blifernez-Klassen
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (O.B.-K.); (V.K.)
| | - Julia Hassa
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany (T.B.)
| | - Diana L. Reinecke
- Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Strasse, 52428 Juelich, Germany;
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany (T.B.)
- Medical School East Westphalia-Lippe, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Viktor Klassen
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (O.B.-K.); (V.K.)
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Algae Biotechnology and Bioenergy, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (O.B.-K.); (V.K.)
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Marangon BB, Magalhães IB, Pereira ASAP, Silva TA, Gama RCN, Ferreira J, Castro JS, Assis LR, Lorentz JF, Calijuri ML. Emerging microalgae-based biofuels: Technology, life-cycle and scale-up. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 326:138447. [PMID: 36940833 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae biomass is a versatile feedstock with a variable composition that can be submitted to several conversion routes. Considering the increasing energy demand and the context of third-generation biofuels, algae can fulfill the increasing global demand for energy with the additional benefit of environmental impact mitigation. While biodiesel and biogas are widely consolidated and reviewed, emerging algal-based biofuels such as biohydrogen, biokerosene, and biomethane are cutting-edge technologies in earlier stages of development. In this context, the present study covers their theoretical and practical conversion technologies, environmental hotspots, and cost-effectiveness. Scaling-up considerations are also addressed, mainly through Life Cycle Assessment results and interpretation. Discussions on the current literature for each biofuel directs researchers towards challenges such as optimized pretreatment methods for biohydrogen and optimized catalyst for biokerosene, besides encouraging pilot and industrial scale studies for all biofuels. While presenting studies for larger scales, biomethane still needs continuous operation results to consolidate the technology further. Additionally, environmental improvements on all three routes are discussed in light of life-cycle models, highlighting the ample research opportunities on wastewater-grown microalgae biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Marangon
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - I B Magalhães
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - A S A P Pereira
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - T A Silva
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - R C N Gama
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - J Ferreira
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - J S Castro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - L R Assis
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - J F Lorentz
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - M L Calijuri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa/UFV), Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, S/n, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
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de Freitas BB, Overmans S, Medina JS, Hong PY, Lauersen KJ. Biomass generation and heterologous isoprenoid milking from engineered microalgae grown in anaerobic membrane bioreactor effluent. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 229:119486. [PMID: 36535088 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater (WW) treatment in anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) is considered more sustainable than in aerobic reactors. However, outputs from AnMBR are a mixed methane and carbon dioxide gas stream as well as ammonium- (N) and phosphate- (P) containing waters. Using AnMBR outputs as inputs for photoautotrophic algal cultivation can strip the CO2 while removing N and P from effluent which feed algal biomass generation. Recent advances in algal engineering have generated strains that produce high-value side products concomitant with biomass, although only shown in heavily domesticated, lab-adapted strains. Here, it was investigated whether engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii could be grown directly in AnMBR effluent with CO2 concentrations found in AnMBR off-gas. The strain was found to proliferate over bacteria in the non-sterile effluent, consume N and P to levels that meet general discharge or reuse limits, and tolerate cultivation in modelled (extreme) outdoor environmental conditions prevalent along the central Red Sea coast. In addition to ∼2.4 g CDW L-1 biomass production in 96 h, a high-value heterologous sesquiterpene co-product could be obtained from 'milking' up to 837 µg L-1 culture in 96 h. This is the first demonstration of a combined bio-process that employs a heavily engineered algal strain to enhance the product generation potentials from AnMBR effluent treatment. This study shows it is possible to convert waste into value through use of engineered algae while also improving wastewater treatment economics through co-product generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Bastos de Freitas
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sebastian Overmans
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Julie Sanchez Medina
- Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Pei-Ying Hong
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia; Water Desalination and Reuse Center, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Kyle J Lauersen
- Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
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Dębowski M, Kazimierowicz J, Świca I, Zieliński M. Ultrasonic Disintegration to Improve Anaerobic Digestion of Microalgae with Hard Cell Walls- Scenedesmus sp. and Pinnularia sp. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:53. [PMID: 36616189 PMCID: PMC9823343 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are considered to be very promising feedstocks for biomethane production. It has been shown that the structure of microalgal cell walls can be highly detrimental to the anaerobic digestibility of biomass. Therefore, there is a real need to seek ways to eliminate this problem. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of ultrasonic disintegration of Scenedesmus sp. and Pinnularia sp. microalgal biomass on the performance and energy efficiency of anaerobic digestion. The pretreatment was successful in significantly increasing dissolved COD and TOC in the system. The highest CH4 yields were noted for Scenedesmus sp. sonicated for 150 s and 200 s, which produced 309 ± 13 cm3/gVS and 313 ± 15 cm3/gVS, respectively. The 50 s group performed the best in terms of net energy efficiency at 1.909 ± 0.20 Wh/gVS. Considerably poorer performance was noted for Pinnularia sp., with biomass yields and net energy gains peaking at CH4 250 ± 21 cm3/gVS and 0.943 ± 0.22 Wh/gVS, respectively. Notably, the latter value was inferior to even the non-pretreated biomass (which generated 1.394 ± 0.19 Wh/gVS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Dębowski
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Kazimierowicz
- Department of Water Supply and Sewage Systems, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Izabela Świca
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marcin Zieliński
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-720 Olsztyn, Poland
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Sharmila VG, Rajesh Banu J, Dinesh Kumar M, Adish Kumar S, Kumar G. Algal biorefinery towards decarbonization: Economic and environmental consideration. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 364:128103. [PMID: 36243260 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Algae biomass contains various biological elements, including lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, making it a viable feedstock for manufacturing biofuels. However, the biggest obstacle to commercializing algal biofuels is their high production costs, primarily related to an algae culture. The extraction of additional high value added bioproducts from algal biomass is thus required to increase the economic viability of producing algae biofuel. This study aims to discuss the economic benefits of a zero-carbon economy and an environmentally sustainable algae resource in decarbonizing the environment through the manufacture of algal-based biofuels from algae biomass for a range of potential uses. In addition, research on the algae biorefineries, with an emphasis on case studies for various cultivation methods, as well as the commercialization of biofuel and bioenergy. Overall, the algal biorefinery offers fresh potential for synthesizing various products.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Godvin Sharmila
- Department of Civil Engineering, Rohini College of Engineering and Technology, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - J Rajesh Banu
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu 610005, India
| | - M Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S Adish Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Anna University Regional Campus, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Gopalakrishnan Kumar
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Tawfik A, Ismail S, Elsayed M, Qyyum MA, Rehan M. Sustainable microalgal biomass valorization to bioenergy: Key challenges and future perspectives. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 296:133812. [PMID: 35149012 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The global trend is shifting toward circular economy systems. It is a sustainable environmental approach that sustains economic growth from the use of resources while minimizing environmental impacts. The multiple industrial use of microalgal biomass has received great attention due to its high content of essential nutrients and elements. Nevertheless, low biomass productivity, unbalanced carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio, resistant cellular constituents, and the high cost of microalgal harvesting represent the major obstacles for valorization of algal biomass. In recent years, microalgae biomass has been a candidate as a potential feedstock for different bioenergy generation processes with simultaneous treating wastewater and CO2 capture. An overview of the appealing features and needed advancements is urgently essential for microalgae-derived bioenergy generation. The present review provides a timely outlook and evaluation of biomethane production from microalgal biomass and related challenges. Moreover, the biogas recovery potential from microalgal biomass through different pretreatments and synergistic anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) with other biowastes are evaluated. In addition, the removal of micropollutants and heavy metals by microalgal cells via adsorption and bioaccumulation in their biomass is discussed. Herein, a comprehensive review is presented about a successive high-throughput for anaerobic digestion (AD) of the microalgal biomass in order to achieve for sustainable energy source. Lastly, the valorization of the digestate from AD of microalgae for agricultural reuse is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Tawfik
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Sherif Ismail
- Environmental Engineering Department, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Mahdy Elsayed
- Agricultural Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, 12613, Giza, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Abdul Qyyum
- Department of Petroleum & Chemical Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Mohammad Rehan
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies (CEES), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Van T Do C, Dinh CT, Dang MT, Dang Tran T, Giang Le T. A novel flat-panel photobioreactor for simultaneous production of lutein and carbon sequestration by Chlorella sorokiniana TH01. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 345:126552. [PMID: 34906709 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide is the major cause of global warming. However, it is a carbon source for phototrophic production of chemicals from microalgae. In this work, a novel flat-panel photobioreactor (FPP) was used for maximization of biomass and lutein production and CO2 fixation by a lutein-rich C. sorokiniana TH01. CO2 concentration, light intensity and aeration rate were optimized as 5%, 150 µmol/m2/s and 1 L/min, respectively. The highest biomass productivity, lutein productivity and CO2 fixation efficiency were measured for indoor single and sequential FPPs were 284 - 469 mg/L/d, 2.57 - 4.57 mg/L/d, and 63 - 100%, respectively. In a climatic condition of 25.5 - 33 °C and 86 - 600 µmol/m2/s, C. sorokiniana TH01 achieved lutein productivity and CO2 fixation efficiency of 2.1 - 3.03 mg/L/d and 56 - 81%, respectively, while the comparable biomass productivity of 284 - 419 mg/L/d was maintained. This pioneered FPP system was efficiently demonstrated for production of algal lutein from CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cam Van T Do
- HaUI Institute of Technology, Hanoi University of Industry, 298 Cau Dien Street, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Cuc T Dinh
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mai T Dang
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thuan Dang Tran
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Truong Giang Le
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Aswathi Mohan A, Robert Antony A, Greeshma K, Yun JH, Ramanan R, Kim HS. Algal biopolymers as sustainable resources for a net-zero carbon bioeconomy. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 344:126397. [PMID: 34822992 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The era for eco-friendly polymers was ushered by the marine plastic menace and with the discovery of emerging pollutants such as micro-, nano-plastics, and plastic leachates from fossil fuel-based polymers. This review investigates algae-derived natural, carbon neutral polysaccharides and polyesters, their structure, biosynthetic mechanisms, biopolymers and biocomposites production process, followed by biodegradability of the polymers. The review proposes acceleration of research in this promising area to address the need for eco-friendly polymers and to increase the cost-effectiveness of algal biorefineries by coupling biofuel, high-value products, and biopolymer production using waste and wastewater-grown algal biomass. Such a strategy improves overall sustainability by lowering costs and carbon emissions in algal biorefineries, eventually contributing towards the much touted circular, net-zero carbon future economies. Finally, this review analyses the evolution of citation networks, which in turn highlight the emergence of a new frontier of sustainable polymers from algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aswathi Mohan
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Aiswarya Robert Antony
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Kozhumal Greeshma
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India
| | - Jin-Ho Yun
- Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Rishiram Ramanan
- Sustainable Resources Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periya, Kasaragod, Kerala 671316, India; Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Sik Kim
- Cell Factory Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
A number of technological challenges need to be overcome if algae are to be utilized for commercial fuel production. Current economic assessment is largely based on laboratory scale up or commercial systems geared to the production of high value products, since no industrial scale plant exits that are dedicated to algal biofuel. For macroalgae (‘seaweeds’), the most promising processes are anaerobic digestion for biomethane production and fermentation for bioethanol, the latter with levels exceeding those from sugar cane. Currently, both processes could be enhanced by increasing the rate of degradation of the complex polysaccharide cell walls to generate fermentable sugars using specifically tailored hydrolytic enzymes. For microalgal biofuel production, open raceway ponds are more cost-effective than photobioreactors, with CO2 and harvesting/dewatering costs estimated to be ~50% and up to 15% of total costs, respectively. These costs need to be reduced by an order of magnitude if algal biodiesel is to compete with petroleum. Improved economics could be achieved by using a low-cost water supply supplemented with high glucose and nutrients from food grade industrial wastewater and using more efficient flocculation methods and CO2 from power plants. Solar radiation of not <3000 h·yr−1 favours production sites 30° north or south of the equator and should use marginal land with flat topography near oceans. Possible geographical sites are discussed. In terms of biomass conversion, advances in wet technologies such as hydrothermal liquefaction, anaerobic digestion, and transesterification for algal biodiesel are presented and how these can be integrated into a biorefinery are discussed.
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Wang S, Wang J, Li J, Hou Y, Shi L, Lian C, Shen Z, Chen Y. Evaluation of biogas production potential of trace element-contaminated plants via anaerobic digestion. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111598. [PMID: 33396119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Within the domain of phytoremediation research, the proper disposal of harvestable plant parts, that remove pollutants from contaminated soil, has been attracted extensive attention. Here, the bioenergy generation capability of trace metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn, and As) polluted plants was assessed. The biogas production potential of accumulators or hyperaccumulator plants, Elsholtzia haichowensis, Sedum alfredii, Solanum nigrum, Phytolacca americana and Pteris vittata were 259.2 ± 1.9, 238.7 ± 4.2, 135.9 ± 0.9, 129.5 ± 2.9 and 106.8 ± 2.1 mL/g, respectively. The presence of Cu (at approximately 1000 mg/kg) increased the cumulative biogas production, the daily methane production and the methane yield of E. haichowensis. For S. alfredii, the presence of Zn (≥500 mg/kg) showed a significant negative impact on the methane content in biogas, and the daily methane production, which decreased the biogas and methane yield. The biogas production potential increased when the content of Mn was at 5 000-10,000 mg/kg, subsequently, decreased when the value of Mn at 20,000 mg/kg. However, Cd (1-200 mg/kg), Pb (125-2000 mg/kg) and As (1250-10,000 mg/kg) showed no distinctive change in the cumulative biogas production of S. nigrum, S. alfredii and P. vittata, respectively. The methane yield showed a strong positive correlation (R2 =0.9704) with cumulative biogas production, and the energy potential of the plant residues were at 415-985 kWh/ton. Thus, the anaerobic digestion has bright potential for the disposal of trace metal contaminated plants, and has promising prospects for the use in energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxiao Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yanan Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Liang Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chunlan Lian
- Asian Natural Environmental Science Center, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-8 Midori-cho, Nishitokyoshi, Tokyo 188-0002, Japan
| | - Zhenguo Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; National Joint Local Engineering Research Center for Rural Land Resources Use and Consolidation, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yahua Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Asian Natural Environmental Science Center, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-8 Midori-cho, Nishitokyoshi, Tokyo 188-0002, Japan.
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13
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Hu Y, Kumar M, Wang Z, Zhan X, Stengel DB. Filamentous microalgae as an advantageous co-substrate for enhanced methane production and digestate dewaterability in anaerobic co-digestion of pig manure. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 119:399-407. [PMID: 33191051 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at exploring filamentous microalgae (Tribonema sp.) as an advantageous co-substrate for anaerobic digestion (AD) of pig manure. Its impacts on the AD performance were assessed in terms of methane yield, energy conversion efficiency, digestion kinetics, and digestate dewaterability. The microalgae substantially improved methane yield, AD kinetics, and digestate dewaterability of the AD process. The enhancement in methane yield ranged from 2 to 27.4%, with the maximum enhancement (corresponding to an energy conversion efficiency of 81%) occurring at a mixing ratio of 1:1 (VS basis). The AD kinetics was improved as indicated by the increased hydrolysis rate constants and diminished lag time. The specific resistance to filtration (SRF) of the digestate decreased significantly with the increasing proportion of the microalgae in the co-substrates, which would facilitate digestate processing and valorisation. Subsequently, the high biomass productivity of the microalgae (441 mg/L/d) in liquid digestate would enable sustainable bioenergy production through nutrient recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuansheng Hu
- Civil Engineering, College of Engineering & Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Civil Engineering, College of Engineering & Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Zhongzhong Wang
- Civil Engineering, College of Engineering & Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Xinmin Zhan
- Civil Engineering, College of Engineering & Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; MaREI Research Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Dagmar B Stengel
- Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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