RESEARCH: Using macroalgae as a biofuel feedstock can reduce land and fertilizer requirements
March 25th, 2010 by CATF,Article: Goh, C.S. and K.T. Lee. A visionary and conceptual macroalgae-based third-generation bioethanol (TGB) biorefinery in Sabah, Malaysia as an underlay for renewable and sustainable development. Renewable and Sustainable Review. Vol.14(2), Pp. 842-848
The large majority of biofuels produced worldwide come from terrestrial plants, increasing competition for agricultural land and reducing some of the original benefits of the fuel source. This paper proposes that macroalgae such as seaweed could be a better biofuel feedstock, since the production of these algae does not require arable land or fertilizers. The feasibility of converting seaweed carbohydrates to ethanol is still in question, but recent research is outlined in this paper. Additionally, the operation of a potential biorefinery site for this material in Malaysia is described in detail.
The complete article can be downloaded here.
RESEARCH: Biofuel production from microalgae
March 25th, 2010 by CATF,Article: TM Mata et al (2010). Microalgae for biodiesel production and other applications: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Review. Vol. 14(1), pp. 217-232
Given the land use issues that arise from producing biofuels from terrestrial plants, some scientists have recommended the use of microalgae as an alternative biofuel feedstock. This paper outlines the current status of biofuel production from microalgae, discussing current methods and research in cultivation, harvesting and processing. A great overview for those with little understanding of how microalgae would work as a fuel source.
The full article can be downloaded here.
RESEARCH: Algae may have a higher environmental impact than conventional feedstocks
March 25th, 2010 by CATF,Article: A.F. Clarens et al (2010). Environmental Life Cycle Comparison of Algae to Other Bioenergy Feedstocks. Environ Sci Techno., 44 (5), pp 1813–1819
Given the land use issues associated with producing crops or grasses for biofuels, some scientists have recommended that algae be used as a primary fuel feedstock. A new life cycle analysis finds that in terms of energy use, GHG emissions, and water use, the algae feedstock actually has a higher environmental impact than using conventional crops as feedstocks; its only advantage appears to be it consumes a lower total land area. However, if wastewater (specifically source-separated urine) is used to cultivate algae, its net environmental benefit becomes larger than terrestrial crops.
