The document discusses life cycle assessment (LCA) of microalgae-derived biofuels. It begins with an introduction to renewable energy sources and types of biofuels. It then describes the goal of assessing the microalgae cultivation process from an integrated lab-scale system producing biodiesel. The assessment includes microalgae cultivation, biomass harvesting, lipid extraction, and conversion to biodiesel. Key steps involve defining the functional unit, system boundaries, inventory analysis and impact assessment categories to analyze the energy and carbon balance of microalgae biodiesel compared to other fuel pathways.
A variety of fuels can be made from biomassi resources including the liquid fuels ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, Fischer-Tropsch diesel, and gaseous fuels such as hydrogen and methane. Biofuels research and development is composed of three main areas: producing the fuels, applications and uses of the fuels, and distribution infrastructure.
Biofuels are primarily used to fuel vehicles, but can also fuel engines or fuel cells for electricity generation. For information about the use of biofuels in vehicles, see the Alternative Fuel Vehicle page under Vehicles. See the Vehicles page for information about the biofuels distribution infrastructure. See the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells page for more information about hydrogen as a fuel.
These slides use concepts from my (Jeff Funk) course entitled analyzing hi-tech opportunities to examine the increasing economic feasibility of algae biofuels. Algae can be grown in places where traditional crops cannot be grown and it consumes carbon dioxide, thus making it better than traditional sources of biofuels. It can also be harvested every 10 days thus making its oil yield per acre 200 times higher than corn and 40 times higher than sunflowers. The problem is that harvesting and extracting the algae requires large amounts of labor and energy (drying) and the algae may damage surrounding eco-systems. Thus new and better processes along with large scale production are needed to solve these problems. These slides discuss the various approaches (open pond, photo-bioreactor, fermentation), their advantages and disadvantages, their existing and future costs, and other improvements that are driving steadily falling costs. In the short term, algae will continue to be used in niche applications such as cosmetics, food, and fertilizers. In the long run, as the cost reductions continue, algae might become a major source of fuel for transportation and other applications.
This paper was presented on the 8th November 2012 at an SCI conference on Processing Lignocellulosic Biomass. The conference was held at the UK's Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at the Wilton Centre, Redcar, UK. The main focus of the event was on the UK role for biomass conversion, and the business and commericial implications of the technologies being developed.
A variety of fuels can be made from biomassi resources including the liquid fuels ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, Fischer-Tropsch diesel, and gaseous fuels such as hydrogen and methane. Biofuels research and development is composed of three main areas: producing the fuels, applications and uses of the fuels, and distribution infrastructure.
Biofuels are primarily used to fuel vehicles, but can also fuel engines or fuel cells for electricity generation. For information about the use of biofuels in vehicles, see the Alternative Fuel Vehicle page under Vehicles. See the Vehicles page for information about the biofuels distribution infrastructure. See the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells page for more information about hydrogen as a fuel.
These slides use concepts from my (Jeff Funk) course entitled analyzing hi-tech opportunities to examine the increasing economic feasibility of algae biofuels. Algae can be grown in places where traditional crops cannot be grown and it consumes carbon dioxide, thus making it better than traditional sources of biofuels. It can also be harvested every 10 days thus making its oil yield per acre 200 times higher than corn and 40 times higher than sunflowers. The problem is that harvesting and extracting the algae requires large amounts of labor and energy (drying) and the algae may damage surrounding eco-systems. Thus new and better processes along with large scale production are needed to solve these problems. These slides discuss the various approaches (open pond, photo-bioreactor, fermentation), their advantages and disadvantages, their existing and future costs, and other improvements that are driving steadily falling costs. In the short term, algae will continue to be used in niche applications such as cosmetics, food, and fertilizers. In the long run, as the cost reductions continue, algae might become a major source of fuel for transportation and other applications.
This paper was presented on the 8th November 2012 at an SCI conference on Processing Lignocellulosic Biomass. The conference was held at the UK's Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at the Wilton Centre, Redcar, UK. The main focus of the event was on the UK role for biomass conversion, and the business and commericial implications of the technologies being developed.
Biohydrogen may produced by steam reforming of methane (biogas) produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste. In the latter process, natural gas and steam react to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Biotechnology for Solid waste ManagementHIMANSHU JAIN
Biotechnology in solid waste management is the process of application of science and technology to the living and non-living materials for the treatment and disposal of solid waste and wastewater in controlled conditions without disturbing the ecosystem.
presentation contains need of alternative fuels like bio hydrogen. Biological hydrogen production methods, pros & cons of each methods and future aspects.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates as an example of natural biodegredable polymers .
PHAs are biodegredable biopolyesters produced by a variety of gram negative and gram positive bacteria.
They have a variety of applications in the industrial and medical fields .
A biorefinery is a facility that integrates biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, and chemicals from biomass.
LIGNOCELLULOSES FEEDSTOCK (LCF) BIOREFINERY
TWO PLATFORM BIOREFINERY
GREEN BIOREFINERY
Miguel G. Guerrero del Instituto de Bioqiímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis de la Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, presenta el mercado de producción de Bioethanol de microalgas y las ventajas de usar microalgas a la hora de producir BIoethanol.
8_04_2010
In this world of concerns regarding depletion of fossil fuels, pollution control and other factors leading to threat of man kind survival a way of producing biodiesel from algae which can be a source of alternative fuel. Lots of methods and sources being used for producing biodiesel but from algae one can produce high amount of biodiesel depending on the type of species or strain selected and this way this is a viable and feasible method to produce biodiesel.....
The topic is captioned as Green genes- a promising fuel source for future..the ppt describes about biofuel and its forms..mainly focused on biodiesel and its present status, applications etc.,
Introduction
Evolution of biofuels
Biofuel production methods
Target areas for biotechnological interventions
Current research and developments
Success stories
Applications
Future line
Summary
Conclusion
Green genes
Green genes- plants and algae
Hydrocarbons, polysaccharides and triacylglycerides -precursors for biofuel
Biofuel
From renewable biological processes
Forms of biofuel:
Biodiesel
Bioethanol
Biomethane
Biohydrogen
Biodegradable and ecofriendly
Major sources- plants and algae
Evolution of biofuel
Biomethane
Agricultural waste, manure, plant material, green waste, etc.
Anaerobic digestion
Cooking
Compressed biomethane - vehicle
Biohydrogen
Source - algal biomass
Biological process – fermentation
Organic acid as substrate – higher fermentation rate
Fuel for vehicles
Bioethanol from lignocellulose biomass
Presence of lignin in vascular tissue - barrier
Enzymatic digestion of lignin - improve plant carbohydrate production
Genes encoding enzymes hydroxyphyl (H), guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) - building blocks of lignin
Antisense constructs to knock out genes encoding enzymes
…bioethanol from lignocellulose biomass
Mature stem harvested - late flowering stage
Plants with least lignin have high carbohydrate level
Hydroxycinnamoyl - highly contributes for lignin blocking than enzymes like C 3-H and C 4-H
C 4H : Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase
HCT : Shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase
C 3-H : Coumaroyl shikimate 3-hydroxylase
CCoAOMT : Caffeoyl CoA 3-O-methyltransferase
F 5-H: Ferulate 5-hydroxylase
COMT: Caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase
Higher saccharification efficiency - transgenic lines
Pathway - conserved across plant kingdom
Targeted genes - candidate genes for improving saccharification in bioenergy crops like jatropha, switchgrass etc.
Biodiesel from algal biomass
Photosynthetic, heterotrophic organisms
Potential for cultivation as energy crops
Microalgal species with oil content
Why microalgae than plants?
More oil yield
Small area of land
Lesser need of labour, nutrients and water
Grow rapidly with high solar energy conversion efficiency
Wider adaptability
Current research and developments
Offshore Membrane Enclosure for Growing Algae (OMEGA) system
Success stories
Applications
Biohydrogen may produced by steam reforming of methane (biogas) produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste. In the latter process, natural gas and steam react to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Biotechnology for Solid waste ManagementHIMANSHU JAIN
Biotechnology in solid waste management is the process of application of science and technology to the living and non-living materials for the treatment and disposal of solid waste and wastewater in controlled conditions without disturbing the ecosystem.
presentation contains need of alternative fuels like bio hydrogen. Biological hydrogen production methods, pros & cons of each methods and future aspects.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates as an example of natural biodegredable polymers .
PHAs are biodegredable biopolyesters produced by a variety of gram negative and gram positive bacteria.
They have a variety of applications in the industrial and medical fields .
A biorefinery is a facility that integrates biomass conversion processes and equipment to produce fuels, power, and chemicals from biomass.
LIGNOCELLULOSES FEEDSTOCK (LCF) BIOREFINERY
TWO PLATFORM BIOREFINERY
GREEN BIOREFINERY
Miguel G. Guerrero del Instituto de Bioqiímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis de la Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, presenta el mercado de producción de Bioethanol de microalgas y las ventajas de usar microalgas a la hora de producir BIoethanol.
8_04_2010
In this world of concerns regarding depletion of fossil fuels, pollution control and other factors leading to threat of man kind survival a way of producing biodiesel from algae which can be a source of alternative fuel. Lots of methods and sources being used for producing biodiesel but from algae one can produce high amount of biodiesel depending on the type of species or strain selected and this way this is a viable and feasible method to produce biodiesel.....
The topic is captioned as Green genes- a promising fuel source for future..the ppt describes about biofuel and its forms..mainly focused on biodiesel and its present status, applications etc.,
Introduction
Evolution of biofuels
Biofuel production methods
Target areas for biotechnological interventions
Current research and developments
Success stories
Applications
Future line
Summary
Conclusion
Green genes
Green genes- plants and algae
Hydrocarbons, polysaccharides and triacylglycerides -precursors for biofuel
Biofuel
From renewable biological processes
Forms of biofuel:
Biodiesel
Bioethanol
Biomethane
Biohydrogen
Biodegradable and ecofriendly
Major sources- plants and algae
Evolution of biofuel
Biomethane
Agricultural waste, manure, plant material, green waste, etc.
Anaerobic digestion
Cooking
Compressed biomethane - vehicle
Biohydrogen
Source - algal biomass
Biological process – fermentation
Organic acid as substrate – higher fermentation rate
Fuel for vehicles
Bioethanol from lignocellulose biomass
Presence of lignin in vascular tissue - barrier
Enzymatic digestion of lignin - improve plant carbohydrate production
Genes encoding enzymes hydroxyphyl (H), guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) - building blocks of lignin
Antisense constructs to knock out genes encoding enzymes
…bioethanol from lignocellulose biomass
Mature stem harvested - late flowering stage
Plants with least lignin have high carbohydrate level
Hydroxycinnamoyl - highly contributes for lignin blocking than enzymes like C 3-H and C 4-H
C 4H : Cinnamate 4-hydroxylase
HCT : Shikimate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase
C 3-H : Coumaroyl shikimate 3-hydroxylase
CCoAOMT : Caffeoyl CoA 3-O-methyltransferase
F 5-H: Ferulate 5-hydroxylase
COMT: Caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase
Higher saccharification efficiency - transgenic lines
Pathway - conserved across plant kingdom
Targeted genes - candidate genes for improving saccharification in bioenergy crops like jatropha, switchgrass etc.
Biodiesel from algal biomass
Photosynthetic, heterotrophic organisms
Potential for cultivation as energy crops
Microalgal species with oil content
Why microalgae than plants?
More oil yield
Small area of land
Lesser need of labour, nutrients and water
Grow rapidly with high solar energy conversion efficiency
Wider adaptability
Current research and developments
Offshore Membrane Enclosure for Growing Algae (OMEGA) system
Success stories
Applications
Cambridge | Jan-14 | Bioenergy from Plants and Algae: Plant Biomass and Algae...Smart Villages
Presentation by Alison Smith, Cambridge University, Smart Villages Technology Workshop, Cambridge 14 January 2014
The purpose of the workshop was to bring together leading UK researchers to discuss emerging technologies for the sustainable production and use of energy in rural communities in developing countries, and to take a ‘look ahead’ at scientific developments and technologies that might be influential over the next 10 - 20 years. It was held under the auspices of the ‘smart villages’ initiative, a three - year project to advance sustain able energy provision for development in off - grid villages in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
this presentation explains about algal fuel and its future prospects. a case study has also been included that has indicated potential of india in producing algal fuel.
Fish and food security: securing blue growth of aquacultureWorldFish
Presented by Michael Phillips and Malcolm Beveridge at the Asia Conference on Oceans, Food Security and Blue Growth, held in Bali, Indonesia, from the 18th to the 21st of June, 2013.
The MICROALGAE LAMP seems to be an promising future rescue as it not only produces light, but consumes CO2, It cleans the environment and can be a replacement of natural resources in future as well.
Aquaculture for food and nutrition security in Timor-Leste: Challenges and op...WorldFish
WorldFish Senior Aquaculture Scientist, Jharendu Pant, presents 'Aquaculture for food and nutrition security in Timor Leste: Chellenges and Opportunities', at a national workshop which discussed ‘Aquaculture for Food Security and Nutrition’. Held on 5 March, the workshop provided a platform for international and national experts to analyze the current and potential contribution of aquaculture to food security and the reduction of malnutrition in Timor-Leste. Combating poverty and malnutrition is the foremost priority of the Government of Timor-Leste, who together with the European Commission Food Security Coordination Group convened the workshop.
Increased value from biomass with Valmet processes and technologiesBiorrefinaria Brasil
Biorefining – increased value from biomass with Valmet processes and technologies.
How to enable global economical growth without putting sustainable future at risk?
Key drivers and challenges for the bioeconomy.
Biorefining offers opportunities across industry sectors.
Presentation of Dr. Raymond Tan, DLSU, on "Sustainable Consumption and Sustainable Production" during the UP Manila Conference on Global Climate Change, October 22-23, 2009, Pearl Garden Hotel, Manila.
Role of sustainability indices in tall buildingssabnisajit
Need of the hour is to determine the sustainability level of a building at the drawing board stage based on the BOQ stipulated. This quantification helps in adopting alternative sustainable building materials and Construction methodologies. This presentation tries to explain the available sustainability indices for tall buildings.
Moringa is a plantfood of high nutritional value, ecologically and economically beneficial and readily available in the countries hardest hit by the food crisis. http://miracletrees.org/ http://moringatrees.org/
Life cycle assessment (LCA) of Dairy and beef cattles Mohmed Sarhan
Global Greenhouse gas Emissions in animal production: towards an
Integrated life cycle sustainability assessment from Ruminant Farming Systems
Abstract
The objectives of this review were to evaluate the environmental impacts of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and emissions intensity (Ei) for the small ruminants, Dairy and beef cattle livestock production systems using the life-cycle assessment (LCA) method with a system boundaries from “Cradle-to- farm-gate” and to promote the other capability of this internationally accepted approach nowadays in the agriculture world to determine weaknesses and robustness and/or the performance of the livestock production system adapted in any regions or areas of examination. This aim was illustrated using results from LCAs in the literature and from a pilot study of different production systems. The emissions were estimated using a whole farm GHGs models, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodology with a yearly time-step. By recognizing different farming systems for ruminant species (i.e. pasture, mixed, and zero grazing). with specific reference to recent published models, outline general conclusions from application of these published models, and describe some limitations and risks associated with these approaches. Certain models were adapted (i.e. an economic optimization model, an environmental assessment model) in which it considers all significant CH4, N2O, and CO2 emissions and removals on the farm and off-farm emissions of N2O derived from nitrogen applied on the farm. This review however, shows that LCAs of different case studies currently cannot be compared directly. Such a comparison requires further international standardization of the LCA method. Nonetheless a recent collective global LCA estimated the GHG intensity of ruminant supply chains to produce 5.7 gigatonnes CO2-eq per annum representing about 80% of the livestock sector emissions. Enteric Methane CH4 was the largest contributing source of GHG accounting for 47%. N2O from soil and deposited manure accounted for a further 24%, while LUC is estimated to contribute 9% of the sector’s overall GHG emissions. However, LCAs should be performed at a large number of practical farms for each production system of interest. Application of LCA on practical farms, however, requires in-depth research to understand underlying processes, and to predict, or measure, variation in emissions realized in practice.
Promoviendo una educación multicultural e interdisciplinar: Químicos Británic...Cátedra Banco Santander
Contribución en la XI Jornada de Buenas Prácticas en la docencia universitaria con apoyo de TIC celebrada en formato online el 25 de noviembre de 2020 y organizada por la Cátedra Banco Santander de la Universidad de Zaragoza.
To make a biogas energy from different sources & creating awareness between h...IJMER
Biogas from biomass appears as an alternative source of energy, which is potentially enriched in biomass resources. This article gives an overview of present and future use of biomass as an industrial feedstock for production of fuels, chemicals and other materials. However, to be truly competitive in an open market situation, higher value products are required. Results suggest that biogas technology must be encouraged, promoted, invested, implemented, and demonstrated, but especially in remote rural areas. Different types of wastes are used for production of biogas .these wastes are found very easy and an every palace. This article helps to make biogas form different wastes. From this study, it can be concluded that this method not only contributed to renewable biogas production but also improved the effluent quality
FABRICATION OF A SIMPLE BUBBLE COLUMN CO2 CAPTURE UNIT UTILIZING MICROALGAE ijbbjournal
This paper focuses on the fabrication of a vertical column CO2 bioreactor and the experimentation of
microalgae. On the manufacturing aspect of the project, the base design was modelled on Solidworks and
assigned a material. The model was then loaded onto a finite element analysis (FEA) software to determine
various engineering stresses and strains to confirm the specimen’s strength. Once the simulation had
completed, the model was ready for 3-D printing. The species of microalgae to be used in this study was
Chlorella Vulgaris. The medium solution was prepared by mixing many types of salts suitable for this type
of algae. Experimental trials of algae growth were conducted mainly to see whether the algae would indeed
grow more rapidly using the developed medium. After failure in early trials, some experiments were
conducted to determine which concentration of stock solution would be the most ideal for the algae to grow
in. These early experiments proved the major impacts of the concentration of the medium on the rate of
growth of the algae. The knowledge gained in these experiments will be instrumental during the next stages
of this project.
FABRICATION OF A SIMPLE BUBBLE COLUMN CO2 CAPTURE UNIT UTILIZING MICROALGAEijbbjournal
This paper focuses on the fabrication of a vertical column CO2 bioreactor and the experimentation of
microalgae. On the manufacturing aspect of the project, the base design was modelled on Solidworks and
assigned a material. The model was then loaded onto a finite element analysis (FEA) software to determine
various engineering stresses and strains to confirm the specimen’s strength. Once the simulation had
completed, the model was ready for 3-D printing. The species of microalgae to be used in this study was
Chlorella Vulgaris. The medium solution was prepared by mixing many types of salts suitable for this type
of algae. Experimental trials of algae growth were conducted mainly to see whether the algae would indeed
grow more rapidly using the developed medium. After failure in early trials, some experiments were
conducted to determine which concentration of stock solution would be the most ideal for the algae to grow
in. These early experiments proved the major impacts of the concentration of the medium on the rate of
growth of the algae. The knowledge gained in these experiments will be instrumental during the next stages
of this project.
Similar to Life Cycle Analysis of Algal Biofuel (20)
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Honest Reviews of Tim Han LMA Course Program.pptxtimhan337
Personal development courses are widely available today, with each one promising life-changing outcomes. Tim Han’s Life Mastery Achievers (LMA) Course has drawn a lot of interest. In addition to offering my frank assessment of Success Insider’s LMA Course, this piece examines the course’s effects via a variety of Tim Han LMA course reviews and Success Insider comments.
Normal Labour/ Stages of Labour/ Mechanism of LabourWasim Ak
Normal labor is also termed spontaneous labor, defined as the natural physiological process through which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled from the uterus through the birth canal at term (37 to 42 weeks
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
3. Introduction
With the ever growing world population and technological advances
in all works of life, world energy demand is expected to rise by 44%
while CO2 emissions will see an increase of 39% by the year 2035
(U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2010)
Developments of renewable source of energy
Renewable energy – solar, wind or geothermal; hard to store
Biofuel – biodiesel and bioethanol
Biodiesel advantageous over conventional diesel fuel –
* 4 times faster degradation
* Safer and non-toxic
* Higher flash point (100-170 C)
(NREL, 2009)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
4. Introduction …
1st generation biofuels – bioethanol produced by fermentation of
starch (e.g. wheat, barley, corn or potato) or sugars (e.g. sugarcane
or sugar beet) and biodiesel (FAME) produced by trans-esterification
of oil (e.g. rapeseed, soybeans, sunflower, palm, coconut) and
animal fats
(Chisti, 2007)
2nd generation biofuels – bioethanol and biodiesel produced from the
residual, non-food parts of crops (Jatropha, cassava or Miscanthus),
and from other forms of lingo-cellulosic biomass such as wood,
straw, grasses, and municipal solid wastes
(Inderwildi and King, 2009)
Criticisms – Conversion of food crops into biofuels is unsustainable
(Scharlemann and Laurance,
2008)
– limited energetic and environmental benefits
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
5. Introduction …
3rd generation biofuels – algae-derived fuels such as biodiesel from
microalgae oil, bioethanol from microalgae and seaweeds, and
hydrogen from green microalgae and microbes
(Aylott, 2010; Dragone et al.,
2010)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
6. Why algae?
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
For production of 60 billion gal/year of biodiesel at a productivity rate
of algae at 50 g/m2/day with 50% triglycerides, the CO2 required for
necessary algae cultivation would be 0.9 billion ton/year which is
36% of the total US power plant emissions
(Pienkos,
2007)
The other nutrients required for cultivation such as nitrogen and
phosphorus can be obtained from organic waste from agri-food
industry
(Cantrell et al., 2009)
Oil yield from microalgae per acre of land used is huge
Plants/ organisms Oil yield (gallons/acre)
Soybean 48
Jatropha 202
Palm oil 635
Algae @ 10 g/m2/day with 15% triglyceride 1200
Algae @ 50 g/m2/day with 50% triglyceride 10000
Biofuels from microalgae are fast attracting international research
interest
* They do not compete for agricultural land
* High photon conversion efficiency
* Metabolic storage of intracellular lipids, carbohydrates and
triglycerides
* They produce 15-300 times more feedstock for biodiesel
production than conventional, terrestrial bioenergy crops
(Chisti, 2007)
Coupling photosynthetic efficiency with biomass production offers
exciting prospects for producing renewable biofuels
(Greenwell et al., 2010; Scott et al.,
2010)
7. Hurdles
Various technological and economic issues (commercial scale
deployment, cost of the biodiesel)
It is important to study in detail the environmental impacts of
implementing such technologies and their sustainability to avoid
„problem shifting‟ or “The displacement or transfer of problems
between different environmental pressures, product groups,
countries or over time”
Need for adoption of a cradle-to-grave perspective and assessment
of several environmental impacts
Life Cycle Assessment/Analysis (LCA) - ISO method: it allows the
detection of pollution transfer from one step to another one or from
one kind of environmental impact to another one
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
8. Life cycle assessment
“Compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential
environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle.”
- International Organization for Standards (ISO, 1997)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
9. Types of LCA
Conceptual LCA – Life Cycle Thinking
Very basic level assessment of environmental aspects
presented using qualitative statements, graphics, flow diagrams or
simple scoring systems which indicate which components or materials
have the largest environmental impacts and why
Simplified LCA
Covers whole life cycle superficially by using generic data and
standard modules for energy production
* Screening
* Simplifying
* Assessing reliability
Detailed LCA
Involves full process of undertaking LCAs and require extensive
and in-depth, data collection, specifically focused upon the
target of the LCA
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
10. Phases of LCA
LCA generally has 4 phases -
(i) Goal and scope definition
(ii) Inventory analysis (LCI)
(iii) Impact assessment (LCIA)
(iv) Interpretation
All phases are often interdependent in that the results of one phase
will inform how other phases are completed
(ISO 14040-14044:
2006)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
11. Starting key step
* Sets out the context of the study
* Explains how and to whom results are to be communicated
The goal and scope of a LCA should be
* Clearly defined
* Consistent with the intended application
The goal and scope documents:
* The functional unit
* The system boundaries
* Any assumptions and limitations
* The allocation methods used to partition the environmental
load of a process when several products or functions share
the same process
* The impact categories chosen
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Goal and Scope Definition
12. Defines what is being studied
Quantifies the service delivered by the product system
Provides a reference to which the inputs and outputs can be related
Enables alternative goods, or services, to be compared and analysed
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Functional Unit
can be set to different extends depending upon the goal of the study
Variants:
cradle to grave (raw material extraction- usage of the product)
cradle to gate (raw material extraction- production)
cradle to cradle (extraction of raw material- production- distribution-
usage- disposal- recycling)
gate to gate (production process)
System Boundaries
13. Involves creating an inventory of flows from and to nature for a
product system
Development of a flow chart of the system to show mass and energy
flows included in the processes
Compilation of the mass and energy inputs and outputs and their
quantification throughout the life cycle of the system
(Rebitzer et al., 2004)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
14. Evaluates the environmental and potential human health impacts of
the system
4 mandatory elements:
* selection of impact categories, category indicators and
models,
* assignment of the LCIA results (classification),
* calculation of category indicator results (characterisation),
* data quality analysis
Optional elements:
* Normalization: Comparison of the results of the impact
categories from the study with the total impacts in the region of interest
* Grouping: Sorting and possibly ranking the impact categories
* Weighting: Allowance or adjustments of the different impacts
relative to each other so that they can then be summed to get a single
number for the total environmental impact
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
Impact categories Category indicators Classification Characterization
Global Warming
Potential
GWP CO2 Kg CO2 eq.
Acidification
Potential
AP SO2 Kg SO2 eq.
Eutrophication
Potential
EP PO4
3- Kg PO4
3- eq.
Ozone Depletion
Potential
ODP CFC-11 Kg CFC-11 eq.
Photochemical
Ozone Creation
Potential
POCP C2H2 Kg C2H2 eq.
Abiotic Depletion
Potential
ADP Oil/mineral Oil/mineral eq.
15. GHG emissions to the atmosphere retain heat in the Earth‟s
ecosystem by absorbing reflected radiation, resulting in global
warming
GWP is an index to measure the contribution to global warming of a
substance that is released into the atmosphere
E1 = Σ eC1,jBj (kg)
(Bj = Emission of green house gas j
eC1,j = GWP factor for j)
Expressed relative to GWP of CO2
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
j = 1
J
1
16. Acidification is a consequence of acids being emitted to the
atmosphere and subsequently deposited in surface soils and water
resulting in negative consequences for coniferous trees and the
death of fish in addition to increased corrosion of manmade
structures
AP is based on the contributions of SO2, NOx, HCl, NH3 and HF to
the potential acid deposition in the form of H+ (protons)
E2= Σ eC2,jBj (kg)
(Bj = Emission of gas j
eC2,j = AP of gas j)
Expressed relative to AP of SO2
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Acidification Potential (AP)
j = 1
J
2
17. Eutrophication originates mainly from N and P (such as N, NOx,
NH4+, PO4
3-, P and COD) in sewage outlets and fertilizers
Nutrients accelerate the growth of algae and other vegetation in
water. Degradation of this organic material consumes oxygen
resulting in oxygen deficiency and fish kill
EP quantifies nutrient enrichment by the release of substances in
water or into soil
E3= Σ eC3,jBj (kg)
(Bj = Emission of a species j
eC3,j = EP of species j)
Expressed relative to EP of PO4
3-
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Eutrophication Potential (EP)
j = 1
J
3
18. The ozone layer in atmosphere protects plants and animals from the
sun‟s harmful UV radiation
Some substances in atmosphere (CFCs, halogenated hydrocarbons,
N2O) make the ozone layer decline, resulting in an increased UV
radiation level at ground level
E4= Σ eC4,jBj (kg)
(Bj = Emission of a ozone depleting gas j
eC4,j = ODP factor of j)
Expressed relative to ODP of CFC-11
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
j = 1
J
4
19. Photochemical ozone (ground level ozone or summer smog) is
formed by reaction of VOCs and nitrogen oxides in presence of heat
and sunlight
Excess ozone can lead to damaged plant leaf surfaces,
discolouration, reduced photosynthetic function and ultimately death
of the leaf and finally the whole plant and in animals, it can lead to
severe respiratory problems and eye irritation
E5= Σ eC5,jBj (kg)
(Bj = Emission of species j participating in
summer smog formation
eC5,j = Classification factor for smog formation)
Expressed relative to the POCP classification factor for ethylene
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Photochemical Ozone Creation
Potential (POCP)
J
j = 1
5
20. ADP includes depletion of non-renewable resources i.e. fossil fuels,
metals and minerals
E6= Σ Bj / eC6,j
(Bj = Quantity (burden) of the resource used
eC6,j = Estimated total world reserves of that resource)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP)
J
j = 1
Other Impact categories
Human Toxicity Potential (HTP)
Aquatic Toxicity Potential (ATP)
6
22. Systematic technique to identify, quantify, check, and evaluate
information from the results of LCI and LCIA
Interpretation should include:
* Identification of significant issues based on the results of the
LCI and LCIA phases of an LCA
* Evaluation of the study considering completeness, sensitivity
and consistency checks
* Conclusions, limitations and recommendations
Helps to determine the level of confidence in the final results and
communicate them in a fair, complete, and accurate manner
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Interpretation
23. Micro-algal biofuel production consists of 4 processes:
* Microalgae cultivation
* Biomass harvesting
* Micro-algal oil (lipid) extraction
* Oil conversion to final products (e.g. biodiesel)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Case Study
24. LCA goal and scope
ICES microalgae-to-biodiesel production:
- From cultivation and harvesting (integrated lab-scale),
- Lipid extraction (lab scale with estimated energy requirements),
- Theoretical conversion (from literature),
- Sensitivity analysis.
Comparison of ICES microalgae-to-biodiesel system with five other
case studies
For (II), comparisons will be made against ICES ‘Base Case’
and a projected ‘Optimistic Case’
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
The selected functional unit for all cases is 1 MJ as
the high calorific value of biodiesel
Methods
25. It can be quantified by comparing energy inputs required in each LCA
stage and compare the total required inputs with the embodied energy
of that biofuel product
CO2 balance
It is critical to consider the total emissions from fossil energy and
resource consumption Vs. the CO2 intake by the microalgae during
cultivation
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Energy balance
1 tonne of algal biomass is estimated to
fix (or sequester) 1.5-1.8 tonnes of CO2
(Patil et al., 2008)
26. From cradle-to-gate, starting from microalgae cultivation and
ends with biodiesel production as the main product
The ‘cradle’ stage begins with an integrated photobioreactor-
raceway system for cultivating microalgae Nannochloropsis sp.
From here, wet biomass is harvested and dewatered to
produce dry biomass
Lipid extraction is carried out with the use of solvents which
are assumed to be fully recycled
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Modelling parameters
27. The production of biodiesel from lipid is carried out via trans-
esterification with the help of methanol
Main energy inputs and CO2 emissions/absorption by
microalgae will be included throughout the life cycle
Emissions of wastewater and other types of air pollutants are
not covered in the LCA
Any by-products (glycerine) are also not taken into account
Waste (solids or wastewater) treatment is not covered in the
LCA
The final heat energy content of the biodiesel product is 40
MJ/kg (base case)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Modelling parameters …
29. Microalgae: Nannochloropsis sp.
Culturing system: Integrated PBR and raceway pond
Doubling time: 12 hours
Cell density: 0.5 g/L
2000 L culture volume needed to produce 1 kg biomass
Growth medium provided with elements (N and P) in PBR
Energy requirement for CO2 pumping (2%) for mixing: 0.0222 kWh
per kg CO2
(Kadam, 2002)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Microalgae cultivation
31. Coagulant: FeCl3.6H2O @ 250 mg/g biomass
Air sparging assisted coagulation flocculation (ASACF) process
Biomass content: 3%
Energy consumption in ASACF: 16.7 kJ
Dewatering by centrifugation
Biomass content: 15% energy consumption by centrifuge: 360 kJ/kg
of biomass (dry equivalent)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Biomass harvesting
32. Microalgae contains 15-60% lipids per dry biomass weight
(Demirbas et al., 2011)
Lipid content of 25% to be extracted from the dry microalgal biomass
Solvent extraction: hexane: methanol (3:1 by volume)
Solvent-to-dry biomass: 20:1
Lipid-depleted biomass settles at the bottom
Extract was decanted and filtered
Evaporation and recycling
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Microalgal oil (lipid) extraction
33. Total energy demand (lipid extraction process + evaporation step):
3.8 MJ per MJ biodiesel (or 152 MJ/kg)
A simple mass balance is applied as:
From the content of 25% lipid in algal biomass, 1 kg of dry micro-
algal biomass can produce a theoretical maximum of 0.25 kg of
lipids. This further translates to 4 kg dry biomass per kg lipid
From 1 kg lipid produced, 90% is converted to biodiesel. Therefore
the total amount of dry algal biomass required to produce 1 kg
biodiesel = 4.44 kg dry biomass
Heat of combustion of the microbial oils can be 38-42 MJ/kg.
(Sorguven and
Özilgen,2010)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Micro-algal oil (lipid) extraction …
34. Chemical conversion of oil by trans-esterification
Total energy input: 540 MJ/tonne biodiesel
(Janulis,
2004)
30.3 MJ of energy required to produce 1 kg methanol (methanol :
lipid = 6.5:1)
(Pleanjai and Gheewala,
2009)
50% methanol recycled
Total energy consumption per kg biodiesel = 0.054 MJ/kg (electricity
input) + 3.15 MJ/kg (methanol input) = 3.2 MJ/kg
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Biodiesel production
35. Preliminary energy and CO2 results
Energy requirement: 0.56 MJ Energy requirement: 3.88 MJ
per MJ biodiesel per MJ biodiesel
Total energy demands: (0.56 + 3.88) = 4.44 MJ (13% = biomass
production, 85% = lipid extraction and 2% = biodiesel production)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Results and discussions
36. Sensitivity analysis
Increase of lipid content from 25% to 35% and 45%
Manipulation of micro-algal lipid metabolisms
(i) Induce nutrient stress during cultivation
(ii) Selection of species with high lipid content
(Greenwell et al.,
2010)
Lower energy requirements for lipid extraction by 1.5 MJ and 2.5
MJ per MJ biodiesel
Nannochloropsis sp. contain very rigid cell walls
(Wijffels et al., 2010)
* Lipid extraction is a big challenge
* Energy decrements as small steps
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Results and discussions …
37. Sensitivity analysis
Heat of final biodiesel product value of 38 and 42 MJ/kg
Energy content of biodiesel ranges between 38 and 42 MJ per
kg biodiesel
(Sorguven and Özilgen, 2010)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Results and discussions …
38. LCA comparisons with other case studies
Comparison of energy and environmental performance based on
both laboratory and projected (hypothetical) industrial scale
(Stephenson et al., 2010; Lardon et al.,
2009)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Results and discussions …
39. LCA comparisons with other case studies
Parameters: (i) lipid content of 45%
(ii) 1.8 MJ per MJ energy demands for lipid extraction
(iii) final heating value of product 42 MJ/kg
Total life cycle energy demand for ICES „Base Case‟: 4.44 MJ per MJ
biodiesel (25% efficiency)
LCA carried out by NREL in 1998 reported an input of 1.2 MJ of fossil
energy to produce 1 MJ conventional petro-diesel (83.3%efficiency)
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Results and discussions …
40. Further discussions (limitations)
Quantitative investigations of different LCA systems and results are
not straightforward
Cases differ in species variation, cultivation methods, operating
conditions and use of biomass to make different products
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Results and discussions …
41. Further discussions (limitations)
No internationally agreed conclusion on the environmental burdens
or benefits from this seemingly green renewable energy alternative
This case study was investigated to emphasize the main challenges
of the microalgae-to-biodiesel value chain
„Base Case‟ results highlighted that the main energy burdens were
from lipid extraction (primarily) and next, biodiesel production
From the „Base Case‟, sensitivity analysis was performed by making
adjustments to the energy requirements, percentages of lipid
contents, and lower and higher heating product value
In „Optimistic Case‟, total life cycle energy requirements dropped
significantly – by nearly 60%
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Results and discussions …
42. LCA is used to analyse various microalgae-to-biofuel production
Main bottleneck for most systems lie in the energy intensive
processes of lipid extraction, and next, biodiesel production
Highly favourable results can be generated when the energy
requirements for the extraction of lipids or biodiesel production were
excluded from the study
Each unique case is modelled with different LCA assumptions or
conditions, making a justified comparison rather difficult
However, this does not undermine the importance of using LCA to
set an overall benchmark and test the feasibility of any biofuel
production system
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Conclusions
43. Systematically estimate the environmental consequences and to
analyse the exchanges that take place to the environment and are
related to the examined product or process
Quantify the emissions into air, water and land that take place in
every life cycle phase
Detect significant changes in the environmental effects between the
life cycle phases
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Advantages of LCA
Estimate the effects of materials consumption and environmental
emissions on human and the eco-system
Compare the consequences to human and to the eco-system of two
or more competitive products or processes
Allocate the impacts of the examined product or process in one or
more items of environmental interest
44. A holistic LCA is a very data-intensive and time-consuming
procedure
There is not a generally acceptable LCA methodology
The selected and analysed system in some of the studies does not
include the overall life cycle of the examined product or process, but
it is only confined to specific stages
The assumptions made in such studies might be subjective
The results of such studies are focused on national and regional
level and they might not be suitable for local applications
The accuracy of a LCA study depends on the quality and the
availability of the relevant data
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Disadvantages of LCA
45. LCA for algal biofuel production demand a careful design of
reference system, system boundary and inventory establishment
Contemplating the next decade of LCA involves considering the
dynamic processes in the human and natural environments that may
drive the need for assessment of environmental burdens
Utilization of biological nitrogen, CO2 and NO2 for some special
purpose
Co-products, by products and residues can enhance energy and
GHG savings through substitution of fossil fuel use
IndianAgriculturalResearchInstitute,NewDelhi
Future prospects