Analysis of Microalgal Biorefineries for Bioenergy from an Environmental and Economic Perspective Focus on Algal Biodiesel - Biotechnological Applications of Microalgae - page 120

TABLE 9.3 ( Continued )
Studies of the Environmental Beneit or Burden of Processes for Algal Biofuels

Algal Species;
Primary Product

System Components
and Boundaries

Environmental
Analysis

Investigators Objective and Process Reactor System Source of Data

Stephenson
et al., 2010

Chlorella
vulgaris ;
Biodiesel

To compare open raceways
and tubular photobioreactors
for algal biomass production
in a two-stage process with
nitrogen limitation (phase 2)
for lipid accumulation;
considered a range of DSP
options, including AD of
residual biomass

Infrastructure,
cultivation,
dewatering, AD,
extract & convert,
transport &
distribute,
combustion

Raceways; airlift
tubular reactors

LCA using EDIP,
market value
allocation and
substitution

Laboratory- (own)
and pilot-scale
(lit.) data used
(Rodoli et al.,
2009)

Collet et al.,
2010

Chlorella vulgaris ,
biogas, biodiesel

To assess the environmental
impact of biogas generation
from microalgae, with
nutrient recycle, and
compare this to microalgal
biodiesel

Infrastructure,
cultivation,
dewatering, AD

Raceway pond LCA using CML,

allocation by
substitution

Yang et al.,
2011

Chlorella vulgaris To determine the water

footprint and nutrient usage
of microalgal biodiesel
production, considering use
of wastewater, nutrient
recycle

Cultivation,
dewatering, AD,
extract & convert,
transport &
distribute

Raceway pond Water, no allocation