One main reason for the popularity of microalgae as an acceptable fuel source is their potential to maximize productivity (e.g., gallons of oil or fuel produced per acre per year) by converting the energy of solar photons during the process of carbon dioxide fixation into biomass energy, benefiting the environment. Marketing the coproducts generated (i.e., postextraction algal residue) could make transportation fuel from microalgae a viable product. The biofuel obtained from microalgae is qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, with a focus on the energetic and environmental feasibility of this fuel for use in the transportation sector. Obstacles to and limitations of the process, in terms of energy and environmental performance, are identified. An important aspect of this issue is the need to improve product processing and recovery, which include mechanical and energy-intensive processes such as centrifugation, filtration, flocculation, and cell disruption. Results obtained so far indicate that the various strains of microalgae obtained from lagoons in Portugal and Spain offer a huge prospect for biodiesel production. However, results of life-cycle analysis with the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation model (updated with Portuguese data) lead to the conclusion that, at this stage, biodiesel from microalgae is not a valid option for the large-scale replacement of conventional fuels. Specifically, the extraction step for biodiesel production is detrimental in terms of energy and solvent use and must be refined.
Biodiesel from Lagoon Microalgae
Acceptable Alternative Fuel for the Transportation Crunch?
Transportation Research Record
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board ; 2385 , 1 ; 11-18
2013-01-01
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Biodiesel from Lagoon Microalgae: Acceptable Alternative Fuel for the Transportation Crunch?
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