Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gonzalo M. Figueroa-Torres, Jon K. Pittman, Constantinos Theodoropoulos
Summary: This study establishes microalgal cultivation strategies for maximized starch and lipid formation by developing a multi-parametric kinetic model suitable for predicting mixotrophic microalgal growth dynamics co-limited by nitrogen and phosphorus. The model's high predictive capacity was experimentally validated and the identified optimal cultivation strategies significantly increased starch (+270%) and lipid (+74%) production. The findings highlight the benefits of using modeling frameworks as optimization tools for the development and commercialization of microalgae-to-fuel technologies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Vladimir Heredia, Jack Legrand, Jeremy Pruvost
Summary: Current microalgae biofuel production pathways face energy self-sufficiency challenges, particularly in cultivation and metabolite recovery processes. Various technologies, such as intensified photobioreactors, photovoltaic panels, and solvent-free metabolite recovery processes, have been suggested to improve the net energy ratio. Additionally, an energy-driven biorefinery approach can obtain liquid fuels and photovoltaic energy in the same production process, increasing the final volume of biofuels and net energy ratio.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Nisha Singh, Reeta Rani Singhania, Poonam S. Nigam, Cheng-Di Dong, Anil Kumar Patel, Munish Puri
Summary: The bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass to produce bio-based products is gaining global attention under biorefinery setup. However, the commercial success at industrial scale is still inadequate due to irregular biomass supply chain, market uncertainties, and scale-up challenges. Global research efforts by public and private sectors are underway to achieve deeper market penetration for the commercial success of lignocellulosic biorefineries.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Bo Zheng, Shengzhu Yu, Zhenya Chen, Yi-Xin Huo
Summary: This review analyzes recent trends and new strategies for bioenergy production from pretreated lignocellulose, as well as challenges in developing low-cost advanced processing technologies and addressing the global energy crisis and climate change.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Andre Aguiar, Thais Suzane Milessi, Daniella Regina Mulinari, Melina Savioli Lopes, Sirlene Maria da Costa, Rafael Garcia Candido
Summary: Sugarcane straw, accounting for one-third of the total sugarcane energy, has great potential for applications in energy generation and production of high-value bioproducts and biomaterials. Progress in processing sugarcane straw highlights the possibilities of obtaining valuable products and promoting environmental-friendly and cost-effective processes.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Pantea Moradi, Majid Saidi
Summary: This study utilized Chlorella Vulgaris microalgal as a renewable oil feedstock for biodiesel production through electrochemical and thermal processes. The results showed that the electrochemical process had higher biodiesel production yield compared to the thermal process, and was able to produce biodiesel in the presence of water. By adding H2SO4 in the electrochemical process, the biodiesel production yield could be increased to 95% under the optimal conditions.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Leonor Sillero, William Gustavo Sganzerla, Tania Forster Carneiro, Rosario Solera, Montserrat Perez
Summary: This study assessed the application of anaerobic co-digestion technology in the treatment of sewage sludge, wine vinasse, and poultry manure. The TPAD process, which utilizes temperature phases, was found to have the highest electricity and heat production with the lowest manufacturing costs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
F. G. Magro, J. F. Freitag, A. Bergoli, V. A. F. Cavanhi, L. M. Colla
Summary: This study analyzed the cultivation of microalgae in a consortium using effluent as a nutrient source, and later using the biomass to produce other biocompounds. Large-scale microalgae cultivation can mitigate the presence of inorganic carbon in the atmosphere through cellular respiration. It is necessary to establish relationships between the bioeconomy and renewable energy for the economic and environmental sustainability of technologies using microalgae.
REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Giorgos Markou, Bohdan Ilkiv, Mathieu Brule, Dimitris Antonopoulos, Ambis Chakalis, Dimitris Arapoglou, Iordanis Chatzipavlidis
Summary: This study investigated the effect of chemical extraction and removal of valuable fractions on the methane yield of residual microalgal biomass used as feedstock for biogas production. The results showed that the recovery and removal of valuable compounds did not significantly affect the methane yield, but lipid extraction led to changes in methane production kinetics.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shoyeb Khan, Probir Das, Mohammed Abdul Quadir, Mahmoud Ibrahim Thaher, Chandan Mahata, Sami Sayadi, Hareb Al-Jabri
Summary: Globally, countries are addressing environmental issues and the declining fossil fuel reserves by exploring bio-based alternative sustainable feedstocks for bioenergy production. Microalgae, as a renewable energy resource, have high photosynthetic efficiencies and biomass productivity and can be converted into various biofuels. However, challenges exist before broader commercial application of microalgae as a bioenergy feedstock, such as strain selection, biomass pre-concentration techniques, and utilization of wet microalgal biomass. This article reviews the current research status and future perspective of microalgal biofuels.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rajasri Yadavalli, Hariprasad Ratnapuram, Snehasri Motamarry, C. Nagendranatha Reddy, Veeramuthu Ashokkumar, Chandrasekhar Kuppam
Summary: This study compares the production of flavonoids and lipids in two microalgal strains, Chlorella vulgaris (CV) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CP), cultivated in mixotrophic and autotrophic modes. The role of L-phenylalanine in enhancing flavonoid production is also investigated. The results show that CV produces the highest lipid yield in mixotrophic mode, while CP produces more flavonoids in autotrophic mode.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Meisam Ranjbari, Zahra Shams Esfandabadi, Tetiana Shevchenko, Simone Domenico Scagnelli, Su Shiung Lam, Sunita Varjani, Mortaza Aghbashlo, Junting Pan, Meisam Tabatabaei
Summary: This research provides insights into the evolution and development trends of techno-economic analysis (TEA) in the biofuel supply chain (BSC) domain through a comprehensive analysis of 1104 articles. The results indicate the need for tax measures and price subsidies to promote biofuel production and consumption, as well as the necessity for further research to enhance the economic feasibility of algal biofuels.
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Aristotle T. Ubando, Earle Anderson S. Ng, Wei-Hsin Chen, Alvin B. Culaba, Eilhann E. Kwon
Summary: Microalgal biorefineries offer an opportunity for economically and environmentally sound production of bioproducts, but face technological bottlenecks due to energy-intensive processes. Life cycle assessment studies have provided strategic technologies and metrics for sustainable production of microalgal biofuels.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rahul Prasad Singh, Priya Yadav, Indrajeet Kumar, Manoj Kumar Solanki, Rajib Roychowdhury, Ajay Kumar, Rajan Kumar Gupta
Summary: The world is currently grappling with global energy crises and escalating environmental pollution, primarily due to the extensive use of traditional energy sources. However, microalgae, with their high photosynthetic rate, carbohydrate and lipid content, CO2 fixation capacity, and ability to thrive in adverse conditions, have emerged as a promising alternative energy source. This study provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in microalgae cultivation techniques and explores strategies to enhance lipid production through environmental manipulation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dalton W. Stewart, Yoel R. Cortes-Pena, Yalin Li, Ashlynn S. Stillwell, Madhu Khanna, Jeremy S. Guest
Summary: Cellulosic biofuels are expensive, and government policies have not encouraged the construction of cellulosic biorefineries. This study evaluated state-level tax incentives and their interactions with economic parameters to understand their impact on biorefinery cash flows. The findings can inform policy incentives for biorefineries in specific deployment contexts.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bruna Porto, Tania F. C. V. Silva, Ana L. Goncalves, Ana F. Esteves, Selene M. A. Guelli U. De Souza, Antonio A. U. De Souza, Jose C. M. Pires, Vitor J. P. Vilar
Summary: This study proposes a novel configuration for tubular photobioreactors (PBRs) using specific light wavelength provided by LEDs. The use of reflectors and high-energy-efficient LEDs improves light utilization efficiency and photosynthetic activity. The results show that parabolic reflectors made of higher specular reflectance materials are the most efficient systems, and a distance of 50.0 mm between absorber tubes over the reflector leads to the best compromise between specific growth rates and biomass productivities.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva M. Salgado, Ana L. Goncalves, Francisco Sanchez-Soberon, Nuno Ratola, Jose C. M. Pires
Summary: This study evaluated the ability of Chlorella vulgaris to bioremediate primary and secondary urban effluents and remove volatile methylsiloxanes. The results showed that C. vulgaris can efficiently remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and specific VMSs from effluents, indicating its potential in wastewater treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Sara Pardilho, Jose C. Pires, Rui Boaventura, Manuel Almeida, Joana Maia Dias
Summary: This study compares the performance of five different kinetic models in describing methane production during the digestion of marine macroalgae waste, and finds that the multi-Gompertz model can predict methane yield more accurately.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pascoal M. D. Campos, Jose C. M. Pires, Anabela A. Leitao
Summary: This study characterized the spatiotemporal and component variations of aerosols in five capital cities of Angola and analyzed the relationship between total AOD and meteorological parameters. It also assessed the influence of emissions from the Nyamuragira volcano on air quality. The study found that organic carbon contributed the most to total AOD, sulphate ranges were higher in coastal cities, and AOD values peaked during the dry season.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose C. M. Pires, Ana L. L. Goncalves
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacqueline R. da S. Rodrigues, Ramon da S. Santos, Rayssa A. A. Matos, Jose C. M. Pires, Eva M. M. Salgado
Summary: Microalgae can be harvested using coagulant agents, with biocoagulants being a natural and biodegradable option that promotes efficient harvesting. This study focused on optimizing the harvesting of Chlorella vulgaris using Opuntia cochenillifera extract and different eluents for biopolymer extraction. The results showed that the microalgal biomass can be effectively harvested using mucilage from O. cochenillifera in acid and alkaline solutions, with high harvesting efficiencies achieved.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Helena M. Amaro, Joana F. Sousa, Eva M. Salgado, Jose C. M. Pires, Olga C. Nunes
Summary: This study assessed the ability of Chlorella vulgaris and UWW autochthonous microalgal species (AMS) to simultaneously remove PO4-P, and reduce the proliferation of coliforms and ARGs. Results showed that AMS performed better in all aspects, indicating its potential as an effective final treatment for urban wastewater.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carla Santos, Miguel Herraiz-Carbone, Engracia Lacasa, Cristina Saez, Rosa Montes, Jose Benito Quintana, Rosario Rodil, Ana I. Gomes, Vitor J. P. Vilar
Summary: This research explores the use of a tubular membrane photoreactor for continuous titration of Fe2+ to enhance the Photo-Fenton process for the tertiary treatment of urban wastewater. The study shows that the PF-like process exhibits superior performance in removing contaminants compared to traditional PF process, especially for melamine. The PF-like process also has advantages in terms of higher residual concentrations of Fe2+ and lower precipitation of PO43-, making it a promising option for tertiary treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva M. Salgado, Ana F. Esteves, Ana L. Goncalves, Jose C. M. Pires
Summary: Microalgae can efficiently uptake nitrogen and phosphorus in wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the impact of different N:P ratios on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris and nutrient removal. The results showed that microalgae can adapt to N:P ratios between 2 and 67, but nutrient uptake is influenced by these variations.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Helena M. Amaro, Eva M. Salgado, Olga C. Nunes, Jose C. M. Pires, Ana F. Esteves
Summary: Water, the most valuable resource, faces threats from anthropogenic activities that generate high levels of pollutants. Conventional wastewater treatment systems are not efficient in removing these pollutants. Microalgal systems have been seen as an environmentally friendly solution to remove pollutants, antibiotics, coliforms, and antibiotic resistance genes. Recent studies have evaluated the effectiveness of microalgal systems in various types of wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biology
Joana Oliveira, Sara Pardilho, Joana M. Dias, Jose C. M. Pires
Summary: This study evaluates the influence of acid concentration, hydrolysis time, and biomass/acid ratio on the thermal acid hydrolysis of Aurantiochytrium sp. through the response surface methodology, aiming at further bioethanol production. The biomass/acid ratio and time are the most influential parameters on the sugar concentration and yield models. This study provides insights into the hydrolysis of microalgae for bioethanol production and suggests that Aurantiochytrium sp. microalgae could be a promising feedstock.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Joana Oliveira, Emanuel Costa, Joana Maia Dias, Jose C. Pires
Summary: This study evaluates the feasibility of using microalgae as oil feedstock for biodiesel production. The results show that oil extracted at room temperature has a higher biodiesel conversion yield compared to high-temperature extraction. The potential of using Chlorella vulgaris for biodiesel production is low, but enzymatic biodiesel production from microalgae represents a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mateus Mestriner Pituco, Paulo H. Marrocos, Ricardo J. Santos, Madalena M. Dias, Jose C. B. Lopes, Francisca C. Moreira, Vitor J. P. Vilar
Summary: This study proposes an innovative high-intensity mixer based on the NETmix technology to enhance the contact between ozone gas and water. The unique geometry of NETmix promotes successive contacting and splitting of flows, leading to higher mass transfer rates and an enriched ozone liquid stream. Experimental evaluation shows that downward flow of gas and liquid significantly enhances mass transfer phenomena. Furthermore, NETmix exhibits high energy utilization efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jessica de Matos Fonseca, Sandra M. Miranda, Joana P. Monteiro, Regina de Fatima Peralta Muniz Moreira, German Ayala Valencia, Alcilene Rodrigues Monteiro, Vitor J. P. Vilar
Summary: This study investigated the oxidation of ethylene using TiO2 photocatalysis in a mili-photoreactor, aiming to develop a clean postharvest technology. The results showed that the catalyst loading, deposition surface, and feed stream humidity strongly influenced the ethylene conversion and reaction rate.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)