Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Algal Biorefinery

Abstract

Alga is a photosynthetic organism capable of substituting as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels and chemicals. Algae have been used for the production of biofuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol, biomethane, and bio-oil via transesterification, fermentation, anaerobic digestion, and pyrolysis of algal biomass. Algae garner special attention due to associated advantages such as the ability to utilize wastewater as substrates that can grow on non-arable land, fast growth rate, and high yield in small spaces and shorter time as compared to other biofuel generation. Recent studies suggesting the production of high-value compounds such as pigments, antibiotics, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals have been developed to overcome the limitations in the path of commercial algal-based biorefinery. To assess the efficiency of the biorefinery system, three major parameters, that is, techno-economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and social indices are evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). LCA and LCIA analysis provides quantitative data highlighting the viability of algal biorefinery in comparison to traditional fossil refineries. Several studies on LCA and LCIA have been performed, and this chapter will deal with LCA for algal-based biorefinery with specific emphasis on essential parameters and data inventory required for analysis. The methodology and interpretation of some case studies for algal-based biorefineries have also been addressed. The chapter will also discuss how LCA studies can help in the development of future integrated biorefineries to attain the objective of a circular bioeconomy. LCA studies also control the policy decision and will also be presented for future policy decisions on integrated biorefinery. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Sanjeet Mehariya and Pradeep Verma

individual chapters, the contributors.