Bioenergia - UB
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Browsing Bioenergia - UB by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) "12:Produção e Consumo Sustentáveis"
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- Alternative feedstocks for high-quality biodiesel: Lipid production from eucalyptus bark hydrolysate by Yarrowia lipolytica W29 using different cultivation modesPublication . Dias, Bruna; Lopes, Marlene; Marques, Susana; Gírio, Francisco; Belo, IsabelABSTRACT: Microbial lipids produced by yeasts from lignocellulosic biomass are a promising feedstock for the biodiesel industry, providing a renewable energy source as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This study investigated the potential of Yarrowia lipolytica W29 to produce lipid-rich biomass from undetoxified sugar-concentrated eucalyptus bark hydrolysate (EBH). The lipid concentrations achieved in batch cultures (13.4 g L-1) were the highest for wild-type Y. lipolytica strains in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Different two-stage cultivation modes (repeated batch, continuous-feeding fed-batch, and pulse fed-batch) were studied to enhance biomass and lipid production. The cell and lipid mass was higher in pulse fed-batch and continuous-feeding fed-batch cultures than batch cultures. Production of citric acid, a side product of industrial interest, was improved in the continuous-feeding fed-batch culture. Microbial lipids produced by Y. lipolytica W29 were highly unsaturated and mainly composed of oleic acid (50% to 53%). The estimated properties of the biodiesel that would be obtained from these intracellular lipids would meet the international biodiesel standards EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using EBH for Y. lipolytica lipid production and promotes the sustainable production of high-quality biodiesel from lignocellulosic feedstocks.
- Bio-oil from hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae cultivated in wastewater: An economic and life cycle approachPublication . Silva, Thiago; Junior, Maurino Magno de Jesus; Magalhães, Iara; Ananias, Marina Stefany; Saleme Aona de Paula Pereira, Alexia; Rodrigues, Fábio de Ávila; Delgado dos Reis, Alberto José; Calijuri, Maria LuciaABSTRACT: Although microalgae are a promising sustainable biofuel feedstock, their energy-intensive production and most environmental assessments rarely achieve the desired trade-off between productivity and sustainability. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of producing bio-oil via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of wastewater-grown microalgae at an industrial scale. Four scenarios varied production scale and steam source: sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in SC1 and SC3, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in SC2 and SC4. Each scenario processed microalgae at 300 degrees C for 30 min. Smaller-scale feedstock (1332.9 kg/h) in SC1 and SC2 produced 34.6 kg/h of bio-oil, while the larger feedstock (85,554.4 kg/h) in SC3 and SC4 yielded 2222.2 kg/h. Microalgae biomass cultivation costs dominated overall expenses (56-75 %). Economic analyses indicated minimum selling prices of 3.82-8.52 USD/kg, exceeding the average literature figure of 1.57 USD/kg. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) showed SCB reduced fossil resource depletion by 14.97 % compared to LPG but increased emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulates, and toxic compounds, which are manageable via selective catalytic reduction and flue gas desulphurization. Cyclohexane as a solvent elevated human carcinogenic toxicity, greener alternatives could reduce toxicity but may cost more, requiring further cost analysis. Advancing this biorefinery route requires optimization of cultivation and processing costs, adoption of environmentally benign solvents, and implementation of emission control strategies to enable economically feasible and environmentally sustainable bio-oil production.
- Biopolymers Derived from Forest Biomass for the Sustainable Textile IndustryPublication . Dias, J. C.; Marques, Susana; Branco, Pedro C.; Rodrigues, Thomas; Torres, Cristiana A.V.; Freitas, Filomena; Evtuguin, Dmitry; Silva, CarlaABSTRACT: In line with environmental awareness movements and social concerns, the textile industry is prioritizing sustainability in its strategic planning, product decisions, and brand initiatives. The use of non-biodegradable materials, obtained from non-renewable sources, contributes heavily to environmental pollution throughout the textile production chain. As sustainable alternatives, considerable efforts are being made to incorporate biodegradable biopolymers derived from residual biomass, with reasonable production costs, to replace or reduce the use of synthetic petrochemical-based polymers. However, the commercial deployment of these biopolymers is dependent on high biomass availability and a cost-effective supply. Residual forest biomass, with lignocellulosic composition and seasonably available at low cost, constitutes an attractive renewable resource that might be used as raw material. Thus, this review aims at carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the use of residual forest biomass as a source of new biomaterials for the textile industry, identifying current gaps or problems. Three specific biopolymers are considered: lignin that is recovered from forest biomass, and the bacterial biopolymers poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) and bacterial cellulose (BC), which can be produced from sugar-rich hydrolysates derived from the polysaccharide fractions of forest biomass. Lignin, PHA, and BC can find use in textile applications, for example, to develop fibers or technical textiles, thus replacing the currently used synthetic materials. This approach will considerably contribute to improving the sustainability of the textile industry by reducing the amount of non-biodegradable materials upon disposal of textiles, reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the integration of residual forest biomass as renewable raw material to produce advanced biomaterials for the textile industry is consistent with the principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy and offers potential for the development of innovative materials for this industry.
- Bridging gaps in biorefineries: The unexplored role of social dimension in life cycle assessment researchPublication . Ortigueira, Joana; Lopes, TiagoABSTRACT: This review examines the disregarded role of social dimensions in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within biorefinery implementation, addressing the question: "How can the inclusion of social factors in LCA improve sustainability assessments, and what are the implications of the limited Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) studies in biorefineries?" A systematic literature review was conducted using Web of ScienceTM, focusing on studies that integrate social dimensions in LCA. Bibliometric analysis using the bibliometrix R-package and VOSviewer identified key trends, influential papers, and research gaps. Results revealed a significant gap in incorporating social dimensions into biorefinery LCA, with most studies focusing primarily on environmental and economic impacts. Limited attention is given to social aspects such as community well-being, labor rights, and social equity. Case studies that included social factors demonstrated a more comprehensive sustainability assessment, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and social acceptability in biorefinery projects. This review highlights the need for standardized social indicators and methodologies to integrate social dimensions effectively. The lack of S-LCA in biorefinery implementation reflects a critical gap in sustainability assessments. Addressing this requires developing a unified S-LCA methodology, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and encouraging stakeholder participation to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. Ultimately, incorporating social dimensions is essential for achieving a more balanced and comprehensive evaluation of biorefinery sustainability.
- Clean production of microalgae high-value lipid fraction: Influence of different pretreatments on chemical and cytotoxic profiles of Chlorella vulgaris supercritical extracts and life cycle assessmentPublication . Vladic, Jelena; Radman, Sanja; Jerkovic, Igor; Besu, Irina; Speranza, Lais Galileu; Hala, Ahmad Furqan; Kovacevic, Strahinja; Perreira, Hugo; Gouveia, LuisaABSTRACT: Microalgae have emerged as a promising natural resource rich in bioactive compounds. Health-beneficial properties of microalgae, coupled with advantageous characteristics such as high biomass productivity, adaptability, robustness, and carbon dioxide mitigation, position them as a viable solution for global sustainable food production. This study explored clean and environmentally friendly processes to enhance the recovery of lipid bioactive fractions. Microwave (MW), enzymatic (ENZ), and ultrasound (US) pretreatments were applied to improve environmentally friendly extraction of lipid-based components using supercritical CO2. The effects of these pretreatments on extraction yield, chemical profiles, and cytotoxic properties of Chlorella vulgaris (Cv) and smooth C. vulgaris (sCv) extracts were investigated. Additionally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate environmental impacts. MW pretreatment achieved the highest yield increases, from 2.58 times (Cv) to 3.15 times (sCv). UHPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis revealed shifts in the distribution of pigments and derivatives caused by pretreatments, with ENZ extracts showing the most pronounced changes: pigments increased from 9.24% (control Cv) to 40.92% (Cv) and from 12.52% (control sCv) to 71.12% (sCv). Cv extracts exhibited greater activity against MDA-MB-453 cells, while sCv extracts from US pretreatment demonstrated the strongest effect on HeLa cells. The LCA indicated reduced environmental impacts of the pretreatment-enhanced processes up to 65% compared to the control. A scenario analysis was presented to show further possible impact reduction by recirculating the CO2 solvent and substituting the energy source. These findings provide valuable insights into sustainable and scalable green processes for recovering microalgal bioactive components.
- Design optimisation of five pilot-scale two-stage vertical flow-constructed wetlands for piggery wastewater treatmentPublication . Karan, N.; Gogoi, Jayanta; Ganguly, Anasuya; Brito, António; Marques dos Santos, C.; de Oliveira Corrêa, Diego; Gouveia, Luisa; Mutnuri, SrikanthABSTRACT: With growing pig farming, sustainable piggery wastewater treatment methods are essential for environmental protection. This study evaluated five pilot-scale two-stage vertical flow-constructed wetlands (VFCWs) with varying configurations of aeration, plantation, and saturation zones. Three VFCW configurations (1VFCW, 2VFCW, and 3VFCW) were unsaturated, while 4VFCW and 5VFCW were saturated in the second stage (up to 60 and 90 cm, respectively). The 5VFCW featured a stacked configuration with no space between its two stages. Passive aeration was selectively applied in 2VFCW, 3VFCW, 4VFCW, and 5VFCW, while plants were present in most configurations except the control. Saturated 4VFCW achieved the highest removal efficiency for TN (77.03 ± 16.24%) and NO3− (46.06 ± 45.96%), while the stacked 5VFCW showed the highest removal for chemical oxygen demand (COD) (94.17 ± 4.85%) and Total ammoniacal nitrogen (TOC) (86.35 ± 6.78%). Unsaturated 1VFCW excelled in TAN removal (98.89 ± 0.33%), and the control system (C) showed the highest removal efficiency for PO43− (90.38 ± 6.52%) and TOC (87.52 ± 9.83%). Overall, 4VFCW emerged as the most balanced and effective system, supported by an optimal combination of aerobic and anaerobic conditions that facilitated sequential nitrification and denitrification, along with an extended hydraulic retention time due to saturation.
- Development of a georeferenced database as a tool to improve circular material flows in lignocellulosic waste valorization [Poster]Publication . Silva, Tiago; Eusebio, Ana; Camocho, David; Alexandre, Jorge; Sousa Rocha, Cristina; Patinha, Pedro; Quental, Lídia; Gírio, Francisco; Moura, PatríciaABSTRACT: The Frontsh1p project aims to accelerate the development and implementation of cross-sector circular value chains through the creation of a multi-level toolkit that includes georeferenced data. This will facilitate the identification of the different stakeholders, their levels of interaction, regional distribution, and communication pathways, as well as the planning of new circular material flows for by-products and waste streams. The region of Łódzkie in Poland was selected for the development of this toolkit to establish guidelines, methodologies and technologies, based on information at the regional economic level, that can be easily replicated in different regions across Europe.
- Energy potential of elephant grass broth as biomass for biogas productionPublication . da Silva, Guilherme Henrique; Renato, Natalia dos Santos; Coelho, Felipe Ferreira; Donato, Thiago Paiva; Otenio, Marcelo; Machado, Juarez; Delgado dos Reis, Alberto JoséABSTRACT: The growing demand for clean energy has highlighted plant biomass as a valuable alternative, supporting sustainable development goals. Elephant grass (EG) is a promising feedstock due to its adaptability to diverse soils and climates, high dry matter production, and substantial energy yield. This study aimed to evaluate and characterize six selected EG genotypes (BRS Capia & ccedil;u, T_23.1, T_23.2, T_41.2, T_47.1, and T_51.5) based on their broth productivity and energy yield. Analysis of the broth's yield and physicochemical properties revealed that the by-product extracted from the biomass had a high residual energy value. Additionally, extracting the broth reduces the grass's biomass moisture content, enhancing its calorific value and improving the bagasse quality for combustion in boilers, thus optimizing energy production. This study demonstrates that the promising EG genotypes T_47.1, T_41.2, and T_23.1 presented relevant energy values ranging from 4248.12 to 4304.06 kcal kg- 1 of bagasse and thus are suitable for energy production through direct combustion. The extracted broth is a valuable residual energy source that can be utilized industrially after anaerobic digestion. Future research should focus on the environmental and economic effectiveness of EG broth as an energy source from waste and its potential for biogas production.
- Industrial Off-Gas Fermentation for Acetic Acid Production: A Carbon Footprint Assessment in the Context of Energy TransitionPublication . Pacheco, Marta; Brac de la Perrière, Adrien; Moura, Patrícia; silva, carlaABSTRACT: Most industrial processes depend on heat, electricity, demineralized water, and chemical inputs, which themselves are produced through energy- and resource-intensive industrial activities. In this work, acetic acid (AA) production from syngas (CO, CO2, and H2) fermentation is explored and compared against a thermochemical fossil benchmark and other thermochemical/biological processes across four main Key Performance Indicators (KPI)—electricity use, heat use, water consumption, and carbon footprint (CF)—for the years 2023 and 2050 in Portugal and France. CF was evaluated through transparent and public inventories for all the processes involved in chemical production and utilities. Spreadsheet-traceable matrices for hotspot identification were also developed. The fossil benchmark, with all the necessary cascade processes, was 0.64 kg CO2-eq/kg AA, 1.53 kWh/kg AA, 22.02 MJ/kg AA, and 1.62 L water/kg AA for the Portuguese 2023 energy mix, with a reduction of 162% of the CO2-eq in the 2050 energy transition context. The results demonstrated that industrial practices would benefit greatly from the transition from fossil to renewable energy and from more sustainable chemical sources. For carbon-intensive sectors like steel or cement, the acetogenic syngas fermentation appears as a scalable bridge technology, converting the flue gas waste stream into marketable products and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy.
- Influence of Inhibitors Generated in Lignocellulosic Hydrolysates from Group of Acids on the Growth of Strains TG1 and Tuner of Escherichia coliPublication . Gaspar, Suelen S.; Alves Ferreira Caturra, Júnia Aparecida; Moniz, Patricia; Silva-Fernandes, Talita; Silvestre, Adriana I. R; Torrado, Ivone; Pesce, Gaetano R.; Carvalheiro, Florbela; Duarte, Luís; Fernandes, Maria da ConceiçãoABSTRACT: Concerns over fossil fuels are of increasing interest in biorefineries that utilize lignocellulosic residues. Besides sugars, inhibitors are formed during biomass pretreatment, including acetic acid (AI) and formic acid (FI), which can hinder microbial fermentation. The TG1 and Tuner strains of Escherichia coli were subjected to various acid concentrations. Samples were taken during fermentation to monitor growth, sugar consumption, biomass yield, and product yield. With increasing AI, the TG1 strain maintained stable growth (0.102 1/h), while xylose consumption decreased, and product formation improved, making it better suited for high-acetic-acid industrial applications. In contrast, the Tuner strain performed better under low-inhibitor conditions but suffered metabolic inhibition at high AI levels, compensating by increasing lactic acid production-an adaptation absent in TG1. However, Tuner showed greater resistance to formic acid stress, sustaining higher growth and ethanol production, whereas TG1 experienced a greater metabolic decline but maintained stable acetic acid output. Both strains experienced inhibition in formic acid metabolism, but TG1 had a higher yield despite its lower overall robustness in formic acid conditions. The use of TG1 for value-added compounds such as ethanol or formic acid may help to avoid the use of chemicals that eliminate acetic acid. Tuner could be used for lactic acid production, especially in hydrolysates with under moderate concentration.